
The Toronto Maple Leafs and forward Bobby McMann have begun conversations on a contract extension, according to Darren Dreger of TSN.
However, it’s believed that neither side has given out any numbers yet. Toronto GM Brad Treliving would love to keep McMann in the organization beyond this season. Treliving can expect McMann and his agent to demand anywhere from $3 million, all the way up to $ 5 million. McMann has played a crucial role in Toronto’s lineup this season. He has been a large part of the Maple Leafs’ success this season, as every line that he’s been on has done well.
One thing that management and head coach Craig Berube love about McMann is that he can produce and play the same style of hockey, regardless of what line he plays on. Before Dakota Joshua got sidelined on LTIR with a kidney injury, McMann found good chemistry with Joshua and Nicolas Roy. Since the loss of Joshua, McMann has seen time on the top line with Auston Matthews and Max Domi. That trio has also found success playing together.
Berube has trust in McMann due to his play in all three zones. He can play a ton of minutes against other teams’ best players. He is not afraid to go into the dirty areas. McMann has a knack for winning puck battles and finding an open Matthews or Domi to generate offense. McMann can also chip in his share of goals. He currently has 15 goals this season in 48 games. His career best is 20 in 74 games that he registered last season.
It’s been a journey for McMann, as he signed with the Toronto Marlies back in 2020 from the ECHL. McMann spent three seasons with the Marlies before earning a full-time spot at the NHL level. During the 2023-24 season, he registered 15 goals and nine assists for 24 points in 56 games. McMann continues to get better with each year, which has led to Maple Leafs management getting the ball rolling on conversations regarding a contract extension.
If Treliving can sign McMann for under $4 million a season, it should make it easier to re-sign a few other deserving players. For a team as tight to the salary cap as Toronto is, they need to use each dollar wisely. The team’s biggest need is a top-six forward. McMann is a huge part of the Maple Leafs’ future plans. However, if they want to keep him long-term and address their need in the top six, they will need to figure out a financial plan to accomplish that.
The Maple Leafs have UFAs Scott Laughton, Troy Stecher, and Calle Jarnkrok needing new deals. They also have RFAs Nicholas Robertson, Matias Maccelli, and Jacob Quillan needing new contracts. If I were the Maple Leafs, I would prioritize McMann, Laughton, and Stecher. Bringing Robertson back will depend on whether it’s possible to do so and sign a UFA to fill the hole in the top six. The sooner Toronto re-signs McMann, the easier it will be for Brad Treliving to figure out where the team goes next.
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