Maple Leafs underdog at risk of losing his spot despite elite numbers

The Toronto Maple Leafs are preparing for the 2025-26 season, and although they have been involved in much trade speculation, some solutions could already be on the roster.

While there is an overpopulation in offensive positions, some of these players have sufficient merits to have a fixed role on the team next season. Such is the case of Bobby McMann.

McMann, 29, is one of the biggest underdogs of the Maple Leafs, and he's coming off a surprising campaign, recording 20 goals for 34 points in 74 games played. These numbers take on greater relevance when we take into account that the left winger was not a drafted player.

Maple Leafs' Bobby McMann puts up numbers comparable to the best

When McMann was on the ice, Toronto averaged 3.01 goals for every 60 minutes, positioning himself statistically behind only Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner and John Tavares. He rose to the level of the team's best players.

In fact, his goals-for percentage at five-on-five (60.25%) places him among the top 25 forwards in the NHL with at least 900 minutes played last season. In other words, the Leafs perform better with McMann on the ice. However, the competition will be aggressive in offensive positions next season. Head coach Craig Berube has not made it clear who has a secured role, but the numbers support McMann to be considered.

The Maple Leafs signed Nicolas Roy, Dakota Joshua and Matias Maccelli, so the 29-year-old winger will have to continue performing at the same level because if he goes through a negative streak or if the new ones adapt quickly, his spot will be at risk.