The Toronto Maple Leafs are facing a dilemma with forward Bobby McMann that bears a striking resemblance to the situation they previously encountered with Zach Hyman. McMann, currently 29 years old, is in the final year of his two-year, $2.7 million contract with an average annual salary of $1.35 million. His performance this season has made him a valuable asset, but the Leafs must decide whether to trade him for potential returns or risk losing him to free agency.

McMann has posted 19 goals and 32 points in 56 games, showcasing a blend of speed, skill, and physicality that makes him attractive to contending teams. He can contribute as a depth player or even play higher in the lineup with top players. This versatility, combined with his affordable cap hit, has made him a sought-after commodity as the trade deadline approaches.

The Maple Leafs find themselves in a tricky position. Ideally, they would like to receive a first-round pick in exchange for McMann. However, if that doesn't materialize, they might have to consider lower offers. The risk is that they could lose him for nothing if they can't find a suitable trade partner.

This scenario echoes the situation with Zach Hyman, a player who developed into a key contributor for the Leafs but ultimately left for Edmonton when Toronto couldn't meet his contract demands. Hyman's departure left a void in the Leafs' roster, and they certainly don't want to repeat that mistake.

Several factors complicate the McMann situation. The Maple Leafs are currently six points out of the final Wild Card spot as they enter the Olympic break. Despite winning three straight games, there are indications that the team may be looking to sell at the trade deadline. This creates a sense of urgency to maximize the return on players like McMann who could be valuable additions to other teams.

The Leafs initially considered offering McMann a contract extension, but their stance appears to have shifted towards exploring trade possibilities. McMann's favorable cap hit and the absence of any movement clause further enhance his appeal to potential suitors.

Ultimately, the Maple Leafs must weigh the potential return they could receive in a trade against the value McMann brings to their team. They need to determine whether acquiring future assets is more beneficial than retaining a player who has proven to be a valuable contributor. The decision general manager Brad Treliving makes in the coming weeks could significantly impact the team's present and future.