From his style of play to his unlikely path to the NHL, Bobby McMann has quickly become a fan favourite across Leaf Nation. Some nights he is an unstoppable force, dominating the game with his size and speed. Other times, like on opening night, he finds himself out of the lineup entirely. Approaching 100 NHL games, and now a few months under a new coach, let’s take a closer look at McMann and what he brings to the team.
McMann profile
As noted, McMann’s strengths are fairly obvious. There simply are not a lot of players with McMann’s combination of strength and speed. While his top speed this season is around the 77th percentile of forwards in the league, his bursts above 20 miles per hour are closer to the 94th percentile. This data backs up the narrative of talent versus effort. Though his speed itself is notable McMann is not a purebred speedster, but rather a player who regularly empties the tank instead of conserving energy.
McMann does have a good enough shot to score from dangerous areas, but often this is more because of his speed changing the angle and his quick release rather than elite power or accuracy. While not much of a playmaker, McMann can win pucks along the walls and on the forecheck. Nearly all of McMann’s game hinges on him moving his feet, making decisive and assertive reads, and committing to them with enthusiasm and intensity.
Luckily for the Leafs, that has been exactly what brought McMann to this spot. After four full seasons with Colgate University, McMann would spend parts of two seasons in the ECHL, and parts of four seasons in the AHL before earning a full time spot on the Leafs. McMann has defied the odds as an undrafted player by embracing his attributes and the role they entail. This is especially important for those fans keeping score, as once Toronto Marlies power wingers Mason Marchment and Justin Brazeau thrive elsewhere.
Coaching decisions
McMann’s attributes would seem to align with coach Craig Berube’s desire for big, physical hockey. Because of this, it was widely anticipated that McMann would quickly become one of Berube’s favourites. Unfortunately, things did not start so smoothly, as McMann was a scratch on opening night. In retrospect, this was obviously much more based off an underwhelming preseason performance from McMann rather than a long term grudge.
In a sense, this does tell us that Berube knows that McMann cannot afford any complacency in his game. McMann can break a game open if other teams are unprepared for his speed, but only when fully engaged himself. Elsewhere, power forwards have made a huge upgrade to the Leafs forward group. Max Pacioretty and Matthew Knies do have a lot more skill than McMann, essentially blocking him from outright top six usage. McMann is not a regular contributor on either special teams unit as well, further capping his ice time.
At full health, the biggest role McMann can play on this team is if Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and Mitch Marner play on three separate lines. Clearly, and as expected, Berube is keen to have at least one more physical power forward on each line. This philosophy has paid dividends, and McMann is a big piece of that identity. Should either Pacioretty or Knies miss time in the future, McMann’s importance will only grow. Unlike other big Leafs forwards, namely Steven Lorentz and Ryan Reaves, McMann has the quality to hold onto a regular top-nine spot. Signed this season and next to less than $1.5M, McMann is outstanding value against the cap and a testament to the Leafs scouting and development arms.
Big picture
Through the Matthews-era Leafs playoff failures, one of the enduring shortcomings has been the lack of playoff-style offence, as in getting to tough areas and winning those battles. One of the biggest reasons for hope that Berube’s Leafs will be different is this emphasis and infusion of power wingers. While the continued emergence of Knies is hardly a surprise, the unlikely story of Bobby McMann and the unlikely return of Max Pacioretty have been incredibly impactful. Some might call it luck on the Leafs part, but it is luck borne of the convergence of preparation and opportunity. Regardless of which GM or coach is at the helm, the Leafs clearly have functional scouting and development departments.
Given how important quality power forwards are to this lineup, and the injury history of Pacioretty, we might expect the Leafs to reinforce this position as the season progresses. Prospect Nikita Grebenkin showed nicely in his recent call-up, and does carry hopes for the Leafs future, but the Leafs could easily desire more certainty heading into the playoffs. Quality power wingers are not easily available, and there is little guarantee that the Leafs will be able to afford a player better than McMann. If and when such a player is acquired, it might be more tough love for McMann who could initially be pushed down the lineup.
Brock Nelson does play centre, which might place him in another conversation altogether, and is a cut above McMann akin to Knies and Pacioretty. Drew O’Connor is another potential target, but it would be quite interesting to see how the two battle for ice time. Though O’Connor was a far more prolific scorer in college, McMann has been the bigger threat at the NHL level. This does speak to McMann’s ability as a goal scorer, underlining his abilities and contributions. Though he might still have to fight for minutes from the Leafs coaching staff, McMann unequivocally makes the team better. He is poised to continue his status as a fan favourite through the remainder of his contract.
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