Don’t Be Silly, Maple Leafs Need to Keep Bobby McMann
The funny thing about the Toronto Maple Leafs right now is that everyone seems to be talking trades like it’s the magic fix. They’re chasing the Boston Bruins for that last Wild Card spot, the pressure’s on, and suddenly every guy with an expiring deal is being tossed into a fake trade on social media. But Bobby McMann? No way. That’s one player they really shouldn’t be dangling.
McMann has turned into a pleasant Maple Leafs surprise.
McMann has turned into one of those quiet surprises you don’t fully appreciate until you look around and realize, “Wow, he’s scoring every week.” Last season, he hit 20 goals, and a lot of people shrugged. This year? He’s pushing 30 and sitting only behind Auston Matthews and John Tavares in goals. That’s ridiculous. He’s not riding coattails, either. He gets in on the forecheck, wins pucks, and just flat-out works for his chances. You need guys like that in a playoff race.
His contract alone should end the conversation. He’s making $1.35 million. That’s peanuts for someone scoring like this. Every team in the league would jump at that deal, which is exactly why the Maple Leafs shouldn’t be the ones giving it away. If you want to make the playoffs, you keep the players who give you value, not shuffle them out to make “a splash.”
Who cares that McMann is a late bloomer?
People keep bringing up his age—29. Who cares? This is prime time for a winger. He looks confident, he’s getting better reads, and he’s not showing any signs that this is some one-off heater. Sometimes it just takes guys a bit longer to find their game. McMann looks like a late bloomer who finally figured out how to stay in the league and make an impact.
Trading him now would be classic Maple Leafs overthinking. They finally found a cheap, reliable scorer who fits exactly what they need, and the idea is to… move him out the door? For what? A mid-round pick and a guy who maybe helps for ten games?
If the Maple Leafs want to stay in the hunt, they need players like McMann—guys who chip in, don’t complain, and actually finish their chances. Letting him go would feel like fixing the wrong problem just because the deadline is coming up. Even if they don’t stay in the hunt, re-sign him for next season.
Keep him. It’s the simplest decision they’ll get all season.