As the March 6 NHL trade deadline approaches, the Edmonton Oilers are reportedly eyeing potential acquisitions to bolster their roster for a deep playoff run. While recent rumors have heavily linked the Oilers to Toronto Maple Leafs winger Bobby McMann, one analyst suggests another Leaf could be an ideal fit: Scott Laughton.

McMann, a pending unrestricted free agent (UFA), has emerged as a prime target for Edmonton due to his scoring ability, speed, and manageable $1.35 million cap hit. The Wainwright, Alberta native could potentially slot in alongside Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl, providing a cheap, impactful option. Jim Matheson, an Oilers reporter, indicated that trade discussions between the Oilers and Maple Leafs involving McMann are gaining traction. There have been reports of a potential deal that would send McMann to Edmonton while Andrew Mangiapane and multiple draft picks go to Toronto.

However, TSN analyst Martin Biron has proposed an alternative target for the Oilers: Scott Laughton. Biron believes the 31-year-old Laughton, also a pending UFA, would be a "perfect fit" for Edmonton. Laughton carries a $1.5 million cap hit. Biron highlighted Laughton's versatility and potential fit as a third or fourth-line center, especially with Adam Henrique currently injured. "For me, it's Scott Laughton... And down the middle, when you look at the Oilers, they've got McDavid, they have Draisaitl, they have an injury to Adam Henrique, and he's going to be out a while. So, you're saying, 'Okay, can we mix and match somebody that will fit as a third-line center and maybe would be better suited as a fourth-line center if and when Henrique comes back?' I think Scotty Laughton would be perfect for the Edmonton Oilers," Biron said.

Laughton, currently in the final year of a five-year, $15 million extension signed with the Philadelphia Flyers in 2021, has recorded 11 points (eight goals, three assists) in 39 games with the Maple Leafs this season. While McMann has been linked to the Oilers, Biron's suggestion of targeting Laughton presents an intriguing alternative. Laughton plays a similar hard-nosed game to McMann, but with added versatility, capable of playing both center and wing.

The Maple Leafs' current standing, sitting seven points out of a wild-card spot, suggests they may become sellers at the trade deadline. This could make several of their UFA-eligible players available, including McMann and Laughton. Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun believes McMann could potentially fetch the best return for the Leafs.

As the Olympic break approaches, the Oilers face a shrinking window to make impactful upgrades. General Manager Stan Bowman and the Oilers' management must decide whether to pursue the popular target in McMann or pivot to Laughton, who could provide versatility and depth down the middle. Other potential trade targets for the Oilers include defenseman Darnell Nurse. The team has also been mentioned in connection with Montreal Canadiens forward Patrik Laine and New York Rangers forward Artemi Panarin.