Bobby McMann's surprising breakout season has put him in an intriguing—and potentially risky—position as he heads into NHL free agency this summer.

The Toronto Maple Leafs made a savvy move at the trade deadline, sending the 29-year-old forward to the Seattle Kraken in exchange for draft capital. With McMann on an expiring contract, it was a logical decision for a team looking to maximize value. But now, the real question is: what is he actually worth?

McMann's late-career surge turned heads across the league. After the trade, he lit the lamp 10 times in just 18 games with Seattle, pushing his season total to a career-best 29 goals. His combination of speed and size makes him an attractive option for any team seeking a versatile forward. But as Daily Faceoff's Matt Larkin recently pointed out, there's a potential "trap" lurking in his contract demands.

Before the trade, reports suggested McMann was seeking a five-year deal worth $5 million per season. Larkin warns that such a commitment could be a risky bet for any team. "He possesses a tantalizing mix of speed and size," Larkin notes, "but he bloomed so late that he'll already turn 30 before signing his next deal."

The concern isn't whether McMann can perform in the near term—he clearly can. The issue is whether his late-bloomer breakout will lead teams to overvalue him with a longer contract than his age and track record warrant. At 30, a five-year deal would take him well into his mid-30s, a point where many forwards begin to decline.

Interestingly, there was speculation at the time of the trade that the Maple Leafs might try to circle back and re-sign McMann in free agency. That possibility remains on the table. But with his well-rounded skillset now on full display, McMann could draw interest from a wide range of teams—if the price is right.

For now, NHL general managers face a classic free agency dilemma: pay for the breakout season or trust the long-term trends. McMann's next contract will tell us which side won the bet.