Why Bobby McMann's new contract feels like a big win

When his undrafted, late-blooming son picked the Toronto Maple Leafs as a free agent back in 2020, Cecil McMann had his doubts.

“This is hockey central, in my mind. And when he said he’d go to the Leafs, I (thought), well, you can't cut that lineup — because it's the Leafs. Maybe you could cut another lineup,” Cecil said in 2022-23.

That was the season Bobby McMann, at age 26, finally cracked the NHL, even if it was for only a 10-game look-see. Even if he was denied a goal in Detroit with Cecil cheering in the dads' trip suite and was returned to the AHL Marlies with a single measly assist. Even if, at age 27, he failed to cut that lineup at the following training camp, cleared waivers, and was destined to battle his way up all over again.

“But if you look at the enormity of the work that kid’s put in," Cecil said, "anybody who puts in that kind of work in and gets rewarded, it’s special. It's a special moment for him.

“In his mind, he knew (he’d make the NHL). But we don't speak about that. Because it’s not likely at 26. So, it’s not something we talk about it.”

What a difference a year in pro hockey can make.

For the oft-delayed ascendence of Bobby McMann — from Newfoundland Growler to 20-goal Marlie to bubble Maple Leaf to effective NHL third-line winger — is not only a topic generating plenty of discussion in hockey central.

McMann's is also a feel-good script worth paying for, as general manager Brad Treliving presented McMann with a two-year, $2.7-million contract extension Wednesday — nearly four months before the Wainwright, Alta., native could become an unrestricted free agent.

This time with leverage.

There's a common sentiment among sports reporters: We don't root for teams, but sometimes we can't help but root for individuals.

Circle any NHL dressing room. You won’t get far in your orbit before you meet an athlete who grew up with a leg up. Best training money can buy. Top-tier gear. Travel opportunities. First-line lifestyle.

McMann has always had a grinder's mindset, despite his scorer’s stick. He grew up firing driveway pucks in a chuckwagon town with a dad devoted to shiftwork.

When life knocks him down, all he knows is getting up, dusting himself off, and punching the clock.

Which helps explain Bobby's response to his planned healthy scratch on Feb. 13. How he poured in extra work at practice instead of sulking. How, when the flu hit a couple Leafs stars, he scored a dramatic hat trick as an emergency substitute.

"We don't have a lot of money," Cecil said. "And Bobby, he’s an underdog. I mean, really — 26 years old, never drafted. He's been cut from teams. And he just works hard."

Bobby McMann's unlikely journey and his adapt-or-die career strategy — the guy's greatest strength was his release, yet he's out there chucking shoulders, crashing on forechecks, and didn't hesitate to fight when challenged by now-teammate Ilya Lyubushkin in Anaheim this season — has endeared him to fans and teammates alike.

To wit, Matthew Knies's Instagram reaction to McMann's pay bump:

McMann, you'll recall, began this campaign deep on Toronto's forward chart, below Noah Gregor, Nick Robertson, Pontus Holmberg, and Ryan Reaves.

He started late and on the fourth line but has more goals than all of ’em.

McMann is trending toward a viable third-line threat, and his contract arrives fresh off Saturday's impact performance in Montreal, when the top line went quiet.

"He played an outstanding game with lots of confidence, and he was just strong, hard on the puck. Lots of urgency to his game. I thought their team had a hard time handling him," coach Sheldon Keefe praised post-win.

"You know, it was a tough stretch for us — four games in six nights in three cities — and we needed some big efforts from guys, and Bobby certainly stepped up for us."

McMann considers how he's found a niche the past couple months, whether it's flanking a shooter like John Tavares or a checker like David Kämpf.

"The longer I play and the more games I play, I just I get more comfortable making reads rather than, like, thinking. I think that's where my game has grown. I just get to react. And then my skill takes over, and I think that's kind of what's coming out now," McMann says.

"You just you take what's given to you more, rather than thinking, 'OK, how do I play this 2-on-1?' You're like, 'I see an opening, and I'm just gonna take it.'

"More reactionary. Just playing the game and having fun. As you see a shot or you see a pass, you just try and make it. Whether it's the right play or not, you're making it with confidence — and, usually, it turns out well."

So, maybe when you snap 10 goals in 40 games despite averaging just over 10 minutes a night, you could press for a little more money.

But if you've skated a grand total of 50 NHL games and never seen seven figures?

If you've entered every camp as a maybe and your 30s are speeding toward you like the trains that breeze through Wainwright?

And someone offers life-changing scratch and a sliver of security to keep playing the game you never gave up on?

You take what’s given to you.

And, usually, it turns out well.