Bobby McMann Placed on Waivers Last Year: How the Leafs Avoided a Huge Mistake After His Breakout

The season last year started off a bit unlucky for Bobby McMann, as the forward at the time was not seen in the team's immediate plans, and they placed him on waivers shortly after the season started.

Fast forward to 2024-25, and McMann is comfortably one of Toronto's key performers. Showing his true potential this season, he's enjoying a Matthew Knies-esque breakout year with 17 goals and 25 points in 46 games.

What a story it's been for McMann since being cleared of waivers by the Maple Leafs.

Known as a player with fantastic acceleration and speed, McMann thrives in one on one battles as well as being able to take off from his own zone and push the pace of play.

A look at his NHL EDGE statistics show he is an elite skater. With 22mph-plus bursts of speed ranking in the 97th percentile; he can turn on the jets quick. He also has reached a top speed of 23.13mph, which ranks 92nd.

The reason he's so successful shooting wise is the fact his speed allows him quick entry into high-danger zones, and with his fantastic wrist shot and offensive awareness; it makes for some exciting hockey.

McMann has added over three minutes of ice time this season compared to last, he's being trusted to run on the top line at times due to injury, and he's firmly in the prime of his career.

Toronto's loss of offense from names like Michael Bunting and Tyler Bertuzzi has led to a spot for McMann to show he can do just as much as they can at the fraction of the price (he is in the first year of his two-year, $2.7M contract).

Bobby McMann was placed on waivers last season as Toronto felt they had the pieces necessary at the time. Luckily for them, McMann stuck around and proved he was the necessary piece the whole time.