The post NHL Trade Watch: McMann Gaining Interest, Benoit Rumours & Skinner Hits the Market appeared first on NHL Trade Talk.
Even though the NHL is still on its Olympic break, the trade market is starting to heat up. We’re less than three weeks away from the March 6 deadline. Several Toronto Maple Leafs players are right at the middle of the conversation. Meanwhile, a veteran goal scorer has officially hit the open market. This gives contenders a low-cost depth option if needed.
In today’s edition of NHL Trade Watch, we’ll look at the growing interest in Bobby McMann and Simon Benoit. We’ll also look at Jeff Skinner’s next move after clearing waivers.
The rumours around McMann are not going away anytime soon. According to James Mirtle of The Athletic, the Colorado Avalanche have emerged as a serious contender for the power winger. McMann already has 19 goals this season and carries a $1.35 million cap hit. This makes him an ideal target for teams tight to the cap.
Colorado is not alone either. The Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings have also been linked to McMann as they look to add secondary scoring and some physicality ahead of a playoff run. If the Maple Leafs are set on getting a high draft pick in return, McMann has quickly become one of the more valuable trade chips available right now.
McMann is not the only Maple Leaf generating interest. Benoit is also seeing his name pop up in trade talks. Recent reports suggest both the Edmonton Oilers and San Jose Sharks are keeping a close eye on the physical blue liner.
Simon Benoit Maple Leafs extension
Benoit is the type of shutdown defender teams look for at this time of year. He leads the Maple Leafs in hits and plays a regular role on the penalty kill. For the Oilers, he would be an affordable way to add some bite to their bottom pair. For the Sharks, Benoit brings veteran stability. He is also signed through next season at a manageable $1.35 million cap hit. Given his contract and style of play, he seems like an easy piece to move if Toronto fully commits to a sale.
The Sharks and Skinner have officially gone their separate ways. After being placed on unconditional waivers for the purpose of contract termination, Skinner cleared on Tuesday and is now an unrestricted free agent. That gives him the chance to sign a league minimum contract with a contender for the rest of the season.
Skinner had a tough stretch in San Jose with just 13 points in 32 games. Still, he is a five-time 30-goal scorer, which could generate attention, especially from contenders. For a team looking for a low-risk scoring boost in the bottom six, he is at least an interesting gamble. Early reports suggest that the aforementioned Avalanche, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Kings are potential suitors for him.
Next: 2026 NHL Trade Deadline Primer: Toronto Maple Leafs
The post NHL Trade Watch: McMann Gaining Interest, Benoit Rumours & Skinner Hits the Market appeared first on NHL Trade Talk.
Continue reading...
Even though the NHL is still on its Olympic break, the trade market is starting to heat up. We’re less than three weeks away from the March 6 deadline. Several Toronto Maple Leafs players are right at the middle of the conversation. Meanwhile, a veteran goal scorer has officially hit the open market. This gives contenders a low-cost depth option if needed.
In today’s edition of NHL Trade Watch, we’ll look at the growing interest in Bobby McMann and Simon Benoit. We’ll also look at Jeff Skinner’s next move after clearing waivers.
Contenders Interested in McMann
The rumours around McMann are not going away anytime soon. According to James Mirtle of The Athletic, the Colorado Avalanche have emerged as a serious contender for the power winger. McMann already has 19 goals this season and carries a $1.35 million cap hit. This makes him an ideal target for teams tight to the cap.
Colorado is not alone either. The Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings have also been linked to McMann as they look to add secondary scoring and some physicality ahead of a playoff run. If the Maple Leafs are set on getting a high draft pick in return, McMann has quickly become one of the more valuable trade chips available right now.
Benoit Generating Trade Interest
McMann is not the only Maple Leaf generating interest. Benoit is also seeing his name pop up in trade talks. Recent reports suggest both the Edmonton Oilers and San Jose Sharks are keeping a close eye on the physical blue liner.
Simon Benoit Maple Leafs extension
Benoit is the type of shutdown defender teams look for at this time of year. He leads the Maple Leafs in hits and plays a regular role on the penalty kill. For the Oilers, he would be an affordable way to add some bite to their bottom pair. For the Sharks, Benoit brings veteran stability. He is also signed through next season at a manageable $1.35 million cap hit. Given his contract and style of play, he seems like an easy piece to move if Toronto fully commits to a sale.
Jeff Skinner Clears Waivers, Becomes UFA
The Sharks and Skinner have officially gone their separate ways. After being placed on unconditional waivers for the purpose of contract termination, Skinner cleared on Tuesday and is now an unrestricted free agent. That gives him the chance to sign a league minimum contract with a contender for the rest of the season.
Skinner had a tough stretch in San Jose with just 13 points in 32 games. Still, he is a five-time 30-goal scorer, which could generate attention, especially from contenders. For a team looking for a low-risk scoring boost in the bottom six, he is at least an interesting gamble. Early reports suggest that the aforementioned Avalanche, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Kings are potential suitors for him.
Next: 2026 NHL Trade Deadline Primer: Toronto Maple Leafs
The post NHL Trade Watch: McMann Gaining Interest, Benoit Rumours & Skinner Hits the Market appeared first on NHL Trade Talk.
Continue reading...