Over the past couple of seasons, Bobby McMann has become a reliable depth forward in Toronto. The Maple Leafs signed him to a minor league deal in the 2020–21 season, and rewarded him with a two-year NHL extension before the 2024–2025 season. Once this season is over, McMann is set to become a UFA. The 29-year-old has had a solid season and definitely deserves another shot with the Leafs. He is one of the hardest workers on the team, who helps set the tone night in and night out. Let’s take a look at what a possible contract extension looks like for McMann and the Leafs.
McMann’s role as a Leaf
The majority of the time, McMann has played in the bottom-nine of the lineup since joining the team. Usually, he slots in on the second or third line to provide some secondary scoring to the top guns. Over time, McMann earned the trust of the Leafs, gaining some valuable power play time. However, he has always been a reliable option as his speed sets him apart from many on the current roster.
Since William Nylander has been out with a recent injury, McMann has slotted in on the first line alongside Auston Matthews and Max Domi. It recently worked out against the Winnipeg Jets as all three of those linemates scored an important goal. Matthews got the Leafs on the board, McMann tied it late in the third, and Domi won it in overtime. Considering they were missing one of their key players, that night helped show some of the resiliency that this team has.
If McMann were to sign a contract extension with the Leafs, he would probably remain as a consistent middle-six forward. This, quite frankly, is where he fits the most with the current roster. He can also remain as a secondary option in meaningful games to move up in the lineup if any injuries take place.
What would the contract look like?
McMann is a much more established NHL player now than he was when he signed his current two-year deal. This likely means that he will be looking for a longer term with some kind of a pay raise. Basing this deal on some other depth forwards like Mikael Backlund or Connor Brown, one could predict that this deal falls around a similar margin. McMann would likely get offered a three or four-year deal with an annual salary of around three to four million. This may be a bit of a pay cut compared to what other franchises may offer, but luckily, Toronto is a prime destination to play.
As the Leafs begin contract talks with the forward, there is lots to look over. Considering his position in the organization, the deal likely would not include a no-movement clause. Instead, McMann may get rewarded with a modified no-trade clause that enables him to choose a certain number of teams he wishes or does not wish to be traded to. These kinds of trade clauses are used quite often in today’s NHL.
Looking at the current roster, this contract means the Leafs could be saying goodbye to some other UFAs. Guys like Calle Jarnkrok, Scott Laughton, and Troy Stecher could be on the move. The Leafs are very tight with their cap space, so there really is not much room for them to spend much. Do you think this is a fair deal to offer McMann? Or should Brad Treliving let him walk to free agency?
McMann’s goal this season
At this rate, McMann is on pace to have his best season yet as a Maple Leaf. The forward is coming off a strong season last year, where he finished with 20 goals and 34 points in 74 contests. McMann took that momentum into this season, as he already has 15 goals in 47 games. Right now, McMann is projected to score around 25 goals this season, alongside 43 points. This would make him a solid option in free agency.
Breaking into being a mid-20s goal scorer in the NHL would be a huge accomplishment for McMann. However, I think the forward has more to play for than that. He is in the midst of a contract season, but I think his goal relies on making the playoffs. The Leafs had a huge collapse in the second round against the Florida Panthers last season. There is no doubt this team desperately needs to avenge that loss.
The Leafs currently sit just one point behind the Buffalo Sabres for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. If this team sneaks in, McMann no doubt wants to be a more significant contributor in the playoffs. Last year, the forward appeared in thirteen games and only posted three assists. A player of his calibre can be much more of a difference maker than that. Hopefully, McMann can record his first career NHL playoff goal in a triumphant return to the playoffs.
No dollars nor term. What a useful “article”!
Over the past couple of seasons, McMann has NOT become reliable. Last season, he got 1 assist and no goals in the last 11 regular season games then continued in the playoffs to get no goals and only 3 assists in 13 playoff games!! In all, he basically disappeared for 24 games in a row at the most important time! He is doing fine lately but will he disappear again is unknown. I don’t think he’s as good as Domi and I don’t think Domi is worth his 3.75 considering he too disappears for lengths of time.