Maple Leafs May Have Internal Solution to Top-6 Dilemma if Trade Market is Cold

While NHL insiders believe that the trade market will re-open shortly before training camp, if it does remain cold and sparse and the Toronto Maple Leafs have to stand pat, Bobby McMann could be the most obvious beneficiary.

The 29-year-old McMann enjoyed a breakout campaign last season with 20 goals and 34 points in 74 games. The 20 goals that he tallied were 6th best on the team behind only the usual suspects.

McMann played very well alongside Max Domi and Nicholas Robertson whenever Craig Berube decided to unite that trio together. As good as they played, they were only the 10th best line that played over 70 minutes together with a 44.2 xGoals%.

McMann showed off his utility and productivity as he played a role on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th best lines for xGoals%. McMann with Robertson and Pontus Holmberg came in at 64.3%. McMann with John Tavares and William Nylander were third best at 58.7%. Lastly, McMann alongside Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner were fifth best at 56.5%.

Essentially, any time McMann was placed on any given line, they dominated the opposition with more chances created, expected goals for, and subsequently did a good job at minimizing the opposition's chances.

Of course we don't know exactly how Craig Berube is going to roll out his new lineup, but the belief remains that Knies will stick by Matthews, and Nylander will continue playing with Tavares, leaving two spots open in the top-6.

The recent acquisitions of Dakota Joshua and Matias Maccelli open up some different options for Berube, but he can also go back to players like Domi or McMann, who are familiar with their star centres.

GM Brad Treliving doesn't necessarily have to go out of his way to acquire a top-6 forward if they trust that McMann can handle a larger workload based on his numbers last season.

All signs are pointing to another solid season coming from the Wainwright, Alberta native, and it can only get better if he earns a spot in the top-6.