Maple Leafs are bringing back Bobby McMann on a two-year deal

Bobby McMann’s contract extension carries an AAV of $1.35 million which runs until 2026. It is a well-deserved pay raise for a guy who has established himself as a critical component of the Leafs’ depth.

Originally joining the organization in 2020 after completing his college career with the Colgate Raiders, McMann clawed his way up to the Leafs through a two-year grind where he split time between the ECHL and AHL. A productive 2021-22 campaign with the Marlies where he recorded 24 goals and 35 points in 61 games earned him a two-year NHL contract in 2022.

He continued his impressive growth last season where he was nearly a point-per-game player racking up 21 goals and 29 points in 30 AHL games. It was enough to earn him a 10-game stint with the Leafs where he mustered up an assist. McMann was certainly proving himself to be a viable depth option going into this season, but few could have foreseen the impressive step he took after passing through waivers and being a frequent healthy scratch to start the year.

Since February 13th, McMann has burst onto the scene with 11 points (eight goals and three assists) in a 14-game stretch. It has propelled him up to 12th on the team in scoring while cementing his place in the lineup with solid two-way play.

Say what you will about the timing of this extension since there is a world where the AAV may have been lower, but the fact is that McMann has established himself as an important part of the Leafs’ long-term plans. He has especially earned this new deal given all that he has been through to reach this point where he now has a life-changing amount of money secured through hard work and perseverance.

A silver lining in all of this is that Toronto now has one less pending contract to be concerned about given that 16 players on the main roster are due for an extension this summer. Granted, there are quite a few players in that list that are likely not returning for next season but getting one done now certainly helps provide Brad Treliving some clarity when the time comes to work out potential extensions.

McMann will look to continue his breakout campaign when the Leafs return from a five-day break to take on the Flyers. You can catch the action on TSN4 with a 7:30 p.m. EST start.

Stats from Hockey-Reference.com.

Salary information from CapFriendly.