Maple Leafs Nearing Crucial Decision on Future of Two Key Forwards

In recent weeks the Toronto Maple Leafs have struggled to stay healthy both on offense and defense. This has led several unlikely names to step up in the absence of veterans. One of those unlikely successes has been Bobby McMann who recently scored his first NHL goal.

While McMann has been a great feel good story this season the Maple Leafs will soon need to make a difficult decision with him. McMann has now spent 30 days on the NHL roster. This means he would unfortunately have to clear waivers to head back to the AHL.

With his recent string of high-level play McMann, clearing waivers is not the guarantee it used to be. This has led to a debate about what to do with McMann.

The next time the Maple Leafs will need to approach the decision of sending down Bobby McMann is when Ryan Reaves returns. As of now, Reaves remains on LTIR due to his injury.

Once Reaves returns the Maple Leafs will need to decide who brings more value, Reaves or McMann. Reaves is the personal protector of the Maple Leafs' stars and is well-liked in the locker room. While McMann is beginning to provide a depth scoring element for the Maple Leafs.

It will all come down to who the Maple Leafs feel they need more. With the investment the team made into Reaves, he likely has the edge. However, if McMann can continue his good stretch of play until Reaves returns he could make the decision an incredibly difficult one.