The Toronto Maple Leafs appear to be laying the groundwork for a potential contract extension with forward Bobby McMann, and based on how he’s played this season, it’s easy to see why.
According to reports, the Leafs have opened preliminary talks with McMann’s camp-early conversations, more exploratory than transactional at this stage. No numbers have been exchanged yet, but the message is clear: the Leafs are interested in keeping him around, and they’re starting to feel out what that might look like.
And frankly, McMann’s made a strong case for himself. Through 46 games, he’s racked up 24 points (14 goals and 10 assists), placing him seventh on the team in scoring.
But it’s not just about the points. His 14 goals rank him right behind the Leafs’ big guns-Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and John Tavares-which is no small feat.
Add in 100 hits and 20 blocked shots, and you’ve got a player who’s not just producing offensively but contributing in the gritty areas, too.
McMann’s story is one of steady development and quiet resilience. Since signing an AHL deal with the Marlies back in 2020, he’s worked his way up the organization with a mix of speed, size, and versatility. He’s become the kind of player coaches love to have-plug-and-play anywhere in the lineup, dependable in all three zones, and capable of swinging momentum with a burst of speed or a timely goal.
That versatility has been on full display this season. When injuries hit, McMann was shuffled across lines, filling in wherever needed.
And he didn’t just hold his own-he thrived. Head coach Craig Berube praised McMann’s defensive instincts and his ability to disrupt plays with his skating and stick work.
“He can play anywhere, and he does the job,” Berube said recently. “Defensively, he was outstanding with his stick and his speed.
He broke some plays up.”
It’s that all-around game that’s likely to drive up McMann’s value on his next deal. He’s in the final year of a two-year contract that carries a $1.35 million AAV, and that number is expected to rise significantly. League insiders suggest his next contract could start in the $5 million range annually-perhaps slightly less if the Leafs can negotiate a bit of a discount, but either way, he’s due for a serious raise.
And timing matters here. If Toronto waits too long, McMann could hit the open market on July 1st, where he’d be one of the more intriguing names in what’s shaping up to be a thin free-agent class. That’s not a position the Leafs want to be in, especially given how well he fits into their system and how much they’ve invested in his development.
For now, Toronto continues to benefit from McMann’s production at a bargain price. But if they want to keep that value in-house long-term, the clock is ticking. The early conversations are happening-and if the Leafs are smart, they won’t let them stay preliminary for too long.