Bobby McMann's journey to becoming a regular with the Toronto Maple Leafs is a testament to resilience and hard work. Undrafted, he spent years in the ECHL and AHL before finally earning a full-time spot in Toronto. While his path has been unconventional, McMann has quickly become a fan favorite in Leaf Nation, known for his blend of size and speed.
McMann's strengths are evident. He possesses a rare combination of strength and speed that makes him a difficult matchup for opponents. While not a pure speedster, he consistently gives maximum effort, making him a force on the forecheck and along the walls. He also has a good enough shot to score from dangerous areas, often created by his speed and quick release.
However, consistency has been an issue for McMann. While he had a career year in 2024-25, scoring 20 goals in 74 games, his production tailed off towards the end of the season and into the playoffs. This inconsistency led to fluctuating ice time and a perceived lack of trust from head coach Craig Berube. Some analysts remain unconvinced about McMann's role with the Maple Leafs, particularly with the departure of Mitch Marner. There are questions about whether McMann will consistently crack the lineup, with some suggesting that Max Domi might be a more likely candidate to fill Marner's spot.
Despite these concerns, the Maple Leafs should focus on McMann's potential peaks rather than dwelling on his valleys. His combination of skills is unique and valuable, and when he's playing at his best, he can be an impact player. McMann complements skilled players like John Tavares and William Nylander with his forechecking ability, speed, and willingness to engage physically.
Coach Berube has emphasized the importance of McMann simplifying his game, focusing on details, and driving to the net. By concentrating on these aspects, McMann can become a more consistent and reliable player. He has the tools to be a premier power forward, and at 29 years old, he still has time to reach his full potential.
The Maple Leafs have invested in McMann, signing him to a two-year contract extension with an average annual value of $1.35 million. This shows that the organization believes in his ability to contribute. For his part, McMann is aware of the need to improve, reflecting on the team's playoff disappointment and expressing a desire to get better. He recognizes the experience gained from his first playoff series and aims to learn from it.
Ultimately, the Maple Leafs' success will depend on getting the most out of players like Bobby McMann. By focusing on his strengths, providing him with a clear role, and encouraging him to play with consistency, the team can unlock his full potential and benefit from his unique skill set. While there are no guarantees, betting on McMann's peaks is a worthwhile gamble for the Maple Leafs.
