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Best Bobby McMann destinations if he leaves Kraken in 2026 NHL Free Agency
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The Seattle Kraken traded for Bobby McMann at the NHL Trade Deadline in a move that certainly looks fantastic on their part. McMann was one of the most in-demand trade candidates at the deadline. And yet, the Toronto Maple Leafs only received a second and fourth-round pick for the speedy, scoring winger.
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McMann's rise through the NHL is an inspiring story. McMann went undrafted in 2014 when he was first eligible, and he never heard his name called after that. He made his NHL debut with the Maple Leafs in 2022 after spending a couple years in the AHL. In 2023, he properly broke out, scoring 15 goals that season and 20 in the year following.
This season, he once again set a career high in goals with 29. His most impressive stretch of the year came after his trade to Seattle. Though the Kraken missed the playoffs, McMann scored 10 goals in 18 games following the move to the Pacific Northwest. He was a driving force in their push toward contention, even if they ultimately fell short.
It's hard to truly gauge what his market will look like in NHL Free Agency. McMann is a highly effective player right now and will get a multi-year deal as a result. However, he is a late bloomer and will turn 30 before the 2026-27 season begins. How much term will a team be willing to give him at this point?
In the event that he leaves the Kraken, Bobby McMann should have no shortage of suitors. With this in mind, here are two teams that could be excellent fits for the veteran winger.
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Red Wings could slot Bobby McMann anywhere in top-nine
Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
The Detroit Red Wings collapsed at the end of the 2025-26 season, missing the playoffs for the 10th straight season. Detroit needs to do something to get over the hump. And they may be running out of time with their current structure.
McMann certainly won't be the final piece to this puzzle. However, he could be an important part of his. His speed and scoring touch could play on any of Detroit's top three lines. Their first line, especially, could use his ability. He would be an excellent complement to Dylan Larkin and Alex DeBrincat if he were to sign in Hockeytown.
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The Red Wings do need to sign defenseman Simon Edvinsson to a contract this summer. This will eat a little into their available cap space . Still, they should have the money to give McMann what he wants in NHL Free Agency. If they can land him, their playoff outlook looks a lot better in 2026-27.
Penguins GM has history with former Maple Leafs star
The Pittsburgh Penguins returned to the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2026 after two years away. It did not go as they hoped, but Pittsburgh is in a position to make another run in 2027. General manager Kyle Dubas could sign McMann as part of making that run. And he knows him quite well.
Dubas was the general manager of the Maple Leafs in 2022 when McMann made his debut. He oversaw McMann's rise through the Toronto Marlies into the NHL, as well. Outside of ex-Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving and current Kraken GM Jason Botteril, no executive in the league may have more knowledge of McMann than Dubas.
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Of course, the Penguins have a need here, too. Anthony Mantha had a career-best scoring season in 2025-26 after signing a one-year contract last summer. He will test the free agency market again this summer. And he is due a big raise based on this performance. Pittsburgh may not be the team that gives him that raise, though.
The Penguins could slot McMann next to Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin and let him score a lot of goals. Signing the soon-to-be 30-year-old would give their offense a big boost, and it could help the Penguins contend again next season.
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