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Bobby McMann's Spot in Doubt: 'Not Convinced He Cracks the Lineup'
Photo credit: Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images
TSN OverDrive's Bryan Hayes, and Maple Leafs analysts Jonas Siegel and Dave Feschuk debated on whether or not Bobby McMann would make the Maple Leafs lineup in October.
Enjoying a breakout season for the Maple Leafs last season, Bobby McMann quickly endeared himself to the fans for his breakneck speed, physicality, and underrated goal-scoring prowess.
He's on a bargain deal, and while there are talks about what his next deal could be, he's got to focus on this year first. Craig Berube wants more out of him, and if he can build off a breakout season a la Matthew Knies; he'll get a big payday like him too.
TSN OverDrive Debates Bobby McMann's Roster Spot
But for TSN OverDrive's Bryan Hayes, as well as The Athletic's Jonas Siegel and the Toronto Star's Dave Feschuk, it was a debate on not where he fits in the lineup, but if; and it's quite the debate.
Siegel was explaining his depth chart for the Leafs and brought up McMann as a lock for the third line. Hayes retorted in disbelief, saying that his goal scoring drought should give the team pause:
"How can you have Bobby McMann in there when he did nothing at the end of the season?" Hayes said.
"But he scored 20 goals." Siegel explained. "How many did he score after that? None." quipped Hayes.
"But he scored 20 goals." Siegel explained. "How many did he score after that? None." quipped Hayes.
Feschuk chimed in and explained a new addition may give Craig Berube pause on adding McMann:
"Craig Berube loves Dakota Joshua. He played for him in St. Louis, he's a Craig Berube type player; Bobby McMann isn't."
"What do you mean he isn't? A physical, speedy winger?" Siegel said. "He doesn't play physical, he doesn't play big." Hayes piped up and explained.
"What do you mean he isn't? A physical, speedy winger?" Siegel said. "He doesn't play physical, he doesn't play big." Hayes piped up and explained.
The debate further delved into Toronto's lack of playoff scoring all around, and it looks like Siegel was outnumbered in the debate.
But is what Hayes and Feschuk say hold any merit?
What McMann's Uncertain Role Means for the Leafs' Bottom Six
Well, if McMann doesn't somehow earn a spot, it's not like the Maple Leafs are hurting for depth, and there's still a Nick Robertson lurking around who needs a spot in the lineup.
If Berube loves Joshua, and Michael Pezzetta makes a statement in training camp, he very well could earn a spot.
Let's see what a McMann-less lineup might look like:
Knies - Matthews - Domi
Maccelli - Tavares - Nylander
Joshua - Roy - Robertson
Lorentz - Laughton - Pezzetta
Essentially, Toronto replaces McMann with Robertson in the hopes that playing with a real center in Roy and a physical force like Joshua will open up more offensive chances for him (and to finally lock in some consistency).
Plus that fourth line isn't going to give you a ton of goals but it's going to be a nightmare to play against. McMann has no place there given it's a high-energy, physical, and gritty trio and he really only fits the first metric.
It also means that those signed as AHL depth could fight McMann for a spot, and guys like Travis Boyd and Vinni Lettieri could surprise some people; plus Easton Cowan might make a name for himself this September too.
So for McMann, who had a very good season in 2024-25, nothing is guaranteed under the Maple Leafs' new-look lineup.
It's going to be hard. It's going to be gritty.
Let's hope Bobby McMann understands what lies ahead of him if he makes the team.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 30 | 772 ANSWERS Bobby McMann's Spot in Doubt: 'Not Convinced He Cracks the Lineup' Do you think Bobby McMann cracks the Maple Leafs lineup? | ||
| Yes | 640 | 82.9 % |
| No | 132 | 17.1 % |
| List of polls | ||