Maple Leafs' Bobby McMann trade aftermath ends in predictable fashion
· Yahoo Sports
Maple Leafs' Bobby McMann trade aftermath ends in predictable fashion originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
When the Toronto Maple Leafs traded Bobby McMann in March, there was a suggestion he could return.
Visit mwafrika.life for more information.
He was in a contract year, after all. He went to the Seattle Kraken, but then he'd be a free agent -- at least that's how the thinking went.
But the Kraken knew they were acquiring a guy in the final year of his deal. And they also likely knew they didn't plan on letting him get away.
On Sunday, that became reality. The Kraken signed McMann to a six-year contract, and he's not leaving the Pacific Northwest.
That's a reality check for any Maple Leafs fans who wondered if they'd be getting McMann back. It was never all that likely.
MORE: It's time to ask a serious Matthew Knies question
Sure, a team could've traded for McMann, seen him in their own building and realized that he wasn't someone they wanted in their future.
McMann isn't that type of player, though. He clawed his way into the NHL as an undrafted player. He had to grind for a while in the ECHL. McMann doesn't take anything for granted.
So he showed up in Seattle and stood out, just like he did in Toronto to make himself an attractive trade target in the first place.
The Maple Leafs likely understood that getting McMann back was a long shot. It was a fun idea, but one that was hard to really buy into.
McMann was too likeable a player, too talented a player, for Seattle to not do everything in its power to keep him around.
And on Father's Day, the Kraken ensured that McMann isn't going anywhere. The Maple Leafs helped him grow into the player he is now. They won't get to see the payoff.