The Edmonton Oilers are expected to be one of the busiest teams during the upcoming offseason after another disappointing campaign ended earlier than fans had hoped. With championship expectations surrounding a roster led by superstar forwards Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, management is now under pressure to make meaningful roster upgrades before next season begins. Many analysts believe the organization must improve its secondary scoring and overall forward depth if it wants to seriously compete for a Stanley Cup.
Throughout the regular season, Edmonton once again leaned heavily on its elite stars for offensive production. While McDavid and Draisaitl continued to perform at a high level, the lack of consistent scoring from the rest of the lineup became a major issue. Injuries, inconsistency, and limited production from the bottom six ultimately hurt the Oilers in important moments, especially during the playoffs.
Because of that, several NHL insiders and analysts have started discussing possible free-agent targets who could help strengthen Edmonton’s roster. One player who has recently emerged as an intriguing option is former Toronto Maple Leafs forward Bobby McMann.
McMann is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, and there is growing belief that he could attract attention from multiple teams around the league. According to recent reports and analysis, the Oilers may be among the clubs interested in pursuing the power forward if he reaches the open market.
NHL writer Allan Mitchell recently highlighted several potential free-agent options Edmonton should consider this offseason, and McMann was included among the names mentioned. Mitchell described the forward as a hard-skating winger who brings energy, physicality, and goal-scoring ability — qualities the Oilers desperately need in their lineup.
McMann’s rise around the league has been impressive. Unlike many players who become NHL contributors at a young age, he developed later than expected and gradually earned a bigger role through strong performances and relentless effort. Over time, he transformed himself into a dependable forward capable of contributing offensively while also playing a heavy physical game.
That combination is exactly why he could fit well in Edmonton. The Oilers already possess elite offensive talent at the top of their lineup, but adding another winger who can score goals, forecheck aggressively, and create space would make the team far more difficult to defend.
At 6-foot-2, McMann brings size and toughness that Edmonton could use more consistently in its forward group. He is known for battling hard along the boards, finishing checks, and playing with intensity every night. In today’s NHL, teams looking to make deep playoff runs often rely on players who can contribute offensively while also wearing opponents down physically. McMann fits that description well.
This past season was the best of McMann’s NHL career statistically. In 78 games split between Toronto and the Seattle Kraken, he posted career highs across several offensive categories. He scored 29 goals while adding 17 assists for 46 total points. He also recorded 165 hits, proving that he can contribute physically in addition to putting up offense.
Those numbers have likely increased his value significantly heading into free agency. A player capable of scoring close to 30 goals while maintaining a physical presence will naturally attract interest from contenders searching for depth scoring.
For Edmonton, the appeal is obvious. The team has spent years trying to find reliable support players to complement McDavid and Draisaitl. While the Oilers have had flashes of strong secondary production in recent seasons, inconsistency has remained a recurring concern.
Adding someone like McMann could help address multiple weaknesses at once. He could potentially slot into a middle-six role, provide additional scoring depth, strengthen the forecheck, and add another physical element to the lineup. His versatility could also make him valuable in different situations, whether playing alongside skilled forwards or helping anchor a more balanced third line.
Another factor that may appeal to Edmonton is the possibility that McMann could come at a relatively reasonable price compared to some of the bigger names expected to hit free agency. The Oilers must be careful with salary cap management, especially considering the large contracts already committed to their superstar core. Finding productive players who can outperform their contracts will be critical to building a deeper roster.
However, even if Edmonton has interest, signing McMann may not be easy.
One major obstacle is the possibility that Seattle will work aggressively to keep him before free agency officially begins. After acquiring him from Toronto, the Kraken quickly saw how valuable he could be in their lineup.
McMann performed exceptionally well following the trade. In just 18 games with Seattle, he scored 10 goals and added 14 points while continuing to play a physical style. His strong finish to the season made a major impression and likely increased the Kraken’s desire to retain him long term.
Players who produce at that level after joining a new team often become important pieces of future plans, and Seattle may view McMann exactly that way. If the Kraken believe he can continue developing offensively while bringing leadership and energy to the lineup, they may prioritize signing him before he ever reaches the open market.
At the same time, McMann could choose to explore free agency after enjoying the best season of his career. Strong performances often create opportunities for players to secure bigger contracts or better situations elsewhere. If multiple teams show interest, he could have the chance to evaluate different roles, financial offers, and competitive opportunities before making a decision.
For the Oilers, pursuing McMann would make plenty of sense if he becomes available. Edmonton is in win-now mode, and the organization cannot afford many more disappointing playoff exits while its superstar core remains in its prime years.
Fans and analysts alike understand that the Oilers need more balance throughout the lineup. Opposing teams have frequently focused their defensive attention on McDavid and Draisaitl, daring Edmonton’s supporting cast to beat them. Too often, that secondary offense failed to consistently deliver when it mattered most.
A player like McMann may not completely solve every issue, but he could certainly help make the roster deeper and more dangerous offensively. His blend of scoring touch, speed, size, and physicality would likely make him a valuable addition to virtually any contender.
As free agency approaches, Edmonton’s front office will undoubtedly explore numerous options to improve the team. Whether McMann ultimately becomes one of their top targets remains to be seen, but the connection between the player and the Oilers is already beginning to generate significant discussion.
With an important offseason ahead, Edmonton knows major decisions are coming. If the organization hopes to take the next step toward Stanley Cup contention, adding reliable forwards capable of contributing beyond the superstar core will be essential. Bobby McMann may end up being one of the names worth watching closely over the coming months.
