The Seattle Kraken are pushing for a playoff spot in the Western Conference, where survival is relatively easy. A recent addition has helped reshape their forward group, with Bobby McMann bringing quick offensive support. He has helped them stay in the race by taking the fight beyond 60 minutes over their last three games.
Still, there are some uncertainties around what comes next for the forward.
Bobby McMann’s Strong Play Puts Focus on Kraken Extension Talks
The Kraken made a bold move on March 6 when they acquired McMann from the Toronto Maple Leafs. The forward was also seen as a trade target for the Edmonton Oilers, but the Kraken secured him with a conditional 2027 second-round pick and a 2026 fourth-round pick.
Since arriving, McMann has made a clear impact, producing 7 goals and 11 points in his first 8 games while averaging over 19 minutes per night. His debut on March 14 against the Vancouver Canucks included 2 goals and 1 assist, which set the tone for his early run with the team.
Currently, McMann is playing on the second line alongside Chandler Stephenson and Kaapo Kakko. His shift from the top line has not slowed his production, as he continues to contribute offense and generate chances. Across the full season, he has reached a career-high 26 goals and 43 points, putting him close to the 30-goal mark, his career’s first.
With his contract set to expire at the end of the season and carrying a $1.35 million cap hit, McMann is positioned for a significant raise. Reports suggest his next deal could approach $5 million annually, especially given his recent scoring pace and role. Seattle has shown interest in keeping him, but nothing has been finalized yet.
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman addressed the situation during “Hockey Night in Canada” and made it clear that talks remain early.
He said, “So another goal and assist for Bobby McMann. He’s got seven goals and four assists in eight games for the Kraken since he got traded there. And, you know, we’re just under the impression, I don’t think it’s gone very far down the road yet, but we’re under the impression the Kraken have indicated to McMann that they would like to try and keep him.
“Now, I don’t think the Maple Leafs and McMann ever really got close. I still think there was quite a gap before he was traded to Seattle right before the deadline, but he’s been an excellent fit there, and they at the very least have said, ‘Can we talk here and figure out where things might go?’”
READ MORE: Bobby McMann Trade Could Haunt Maple Leafs as Forward Dominates for Kraken
Seattle remains in a tight playoff race, sitting just behind teams like the Los Angeles Kings, while the Utah Mammoth and Nashville Predators hold Wild Card spots. The team’s next game against the Oilers adds more importance as they try to stay close in the standings. If McMann performs well, it would really sting the front office, as they missed the opportunity to add a scoring forward.
For now, McMann’s play has strengthened Seattle’s lineup, but his long-term future with the team is still unclear. Both sides are continuing to explore their options.
