Over the past couple of seasons, Bobby McMann has taken major steps forward. After making his NHL debut in the 20–2023 season, he fought his way back into the lineup and became a key part of the Maple Leafs success.
His development has progressed once again this season. He has become the best player in the bottom-six forward core of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Now the question is, does he deserve a bigger role or is Bobby McMann a Leafs trade deadline chip?
McMann is no stranger to being an underdog
Bobby McMann is one of those NHL stories of taking the “high road” toward the NHL. The Wainwright, Alberta product went undrafted and ended up playing four years at Colgate University. He was a top-three scorer on the Colgate roster each year and began to find consistency at a high level. After that, he bounced around between the ECHL and AHL before signing with the Maple Leafs at age twenty-six.
This was when Bobby McMann finally began to make a name for himself. He got a small sample of NHL games under his belt, then became an NHL regular in the 2023–24 season. It turned out to be a solid season for a rookie, posting 15 goals and 24 points in 56 contests. Unfortunately, a late-season injury caused Bobby McMann to miss the playoff series against the Boston Bruins.
Things got off on the right foot for McMann this year, scoring his first goal in his first game. After a two-goal game against the Los Angeles Kings, Bobby McMann started with three goals in his first three games. His play faltered after his hot start, going the rest of October and all of November recording four points. Once his slump ended in December, McMann found consistency and has been a force in the bottom-six forward corps.
What line does Bobby McMann belong on?
Bobby McMann has deserved a consistent role on the second line. His style of play fits perfectly alongside John Tavares and William Nylander. His speed and strength complement the playmaking of Tavares and the goal-scoring of Nylander. Consistency has been a struggle at times for Bobby McMann, but playing with star forwards is bound to increase his success.
Pontus Holmberg has been playing on the second line. Recently, his play has been acceptable, putting up three points against the Carolina Hurricanes and scoring a game-tying goal against the Boston Bruins. Does Pontus Holmberg have the skill to stay on the second line?
Changes are often made to NHL lineups, and a swap with Bobby McMann could be beneficial. His current skill at the NHL level is a step above Pontus Holmberg’s. Nevertheless, Holmberg looks like he could be having a breakout similar to McMann.
McMann has been given some good opportunities to show what he is made of. The serious injury to forward Calle Jarnkrok opened up a spot for more inexperienced players to stay in the lineup. This, along with Max Pacioretty being recently injured, gives McMann no time to waste. He must prove to Craig Berube that he belongs on the second line and can be a difference-maker. Jarnkrok will be making his season debut soon. As a result, it will be interesting to see how the lineups will be shuffled.
Will the inevitable line changes affect the Toronto Maple Leafs’ Success?
McMann is a potential trade piece
Another valuable way to see McMann’s role with the Maple Leafs is through trade value. As mentioned, McMann is an extremely valued player in a bottom-six role. His speed and strength make him useful on the forecheck, which can make him a valuable piece at the upcoming NHL trade deadline.
The Toronto Maple Leafs do not have plenty of trade assets available. Nick Robertson had his struggles at the beginning of the season, but has turned things around as of late. The Maple Leafs need more scoring from him, making him a potential piece to move on from. In the long run, Robertson has more potential than McMann, which convinces me that they will not move him.
Any key trades for the Toronto Maple Leafs would have to include roster players or prospects. The team dealt their 2025 first-round pick to the Chicago Blackhawks in the Jake McCabe deal in 2023.
Some of the highly touted prospects for the Maple Leafs include Easton Cowan and Fraser Minten. If Brad Treliving wants to make a big splash at the deadline, one of these prospects may be involved with other pieces. McMann could be a part of this deal as his contract is easily movable and Jarnkrok will be returning shortly.
Brad Treliving will need to make lots of important decisions as the Toronto Maple Leafs look to continue their success and win the Atlantic Division.
Up Next: Mitch Marner’s contract dilemma: What should the Toronto Maple Leafs do?
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