Toronto Maple Leafs’ goaltender Anthony Stolarz’s contract extension has garnered the lion’s share of attention this fall. But there’s one other key player who is in the final year of his current deal: Top-six forward Bobby McMann.
McMann, depending on perception, could be a top-six or bottom-six forward. For now, McMann is in the running for a top-six role. Daily Faceoff projects McMann as the second-line left winger, joining John Tavares and William Nylander.
Based on his role, one would think that the Maple Leafs would be eager to lock up McMann. But according to the Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta, the sides have not initiated extension talks.
That’s an interesting turn of events, if unsurprising. Just about every impending UFA is in a holding pattern at the moment. Meanwhile, teams aren’t rushing to extend would-be free agents.
Much of that attitude has to do with the uncertainty surrounding Kirill Kaprizov and Connor McDavid’s extensions. But also, players like McMann want to bank on having another strong season before cashing in.
McMann is coming off a 20-goal season. If he can replicate last season’s totals, McMann could be in line for a healthy raise. He could land a multi-year deal at a top-six AAV. If that’s the case, McMann could price himself out of Toronto.
Then again, the Maple Leafs would be keen on keeping the 29-year-old in the fold. His grit and tenacity have been the driving force behind his increasing role on the team.
Maple Leafs Can’t Afford to Let McMann Walk
The Toronto Maple Leafs have strived to find diamonds in the rough. McMann has been one of them. He managed to impress the club enough to give him an opportunity in the bottom six and worked his way up.
Barring injury, McMann’s versatility and commitment could push him toward an even greater role with the club. As such, the Maple Leafs cannot afford to lose McMann. Replacing him would be a challenging proposition as there are few wingers out there who could fit the bill.
If the Maple Leafs pursue anyone in free agency, the cost could be astronomical. The rising cap isn’t doing much to help teams keep contracts affordable. So, working toward extending McMann should be atop GM Brad Treliving’s priority list.
As it stands, there isn’t likely to be a timeline on when a deal could happen. But fans could see it happen sooner rather than later.
McMann’s Next Contract Value Tough to Predict
Predicting the value of Bobby McMann’s next contract could be challenging. The Maple Leafs will want to keep his AAV as manageable as possible. However, McMann’s camp could look at other top-six forwards around the league and demand a similar payday.
While McMann won’t come cheap, he may give the Maple Leafs somewhat of a break. He’s carved a role for himself in Toronto. That might be something other teams may not be able to offer.
Then again, a team desperate for forward depth could pay up. A multi-year deal at a much higher AAV could be on the table elsewhere.
When McMann and the Maple Leafs end up will largely depend on how this season goes. A strong season on both ends could compel McMann and the Leafs to hammer out a new contract before next July 1.
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