McMann had a costly mistake that set up Boston's second goal and he was bench for much of the game afterwards.
WINNIPEG — After starting the 2024-25 season as a healthy scratch, Toronto Maple Leafs forward Bobby McMann seized his chance to get back into the lineup, quickly establishing himself as a reliable presence on the ice. The 28-year-old forward wasted no time in making an impact, scoring three goals in his first three games and soon finding himself promoted to the second line.
However, McMann’s early momentum slowed over the last three games while skating alongside William Nylander and Max Domi. His struggles culminated in a costly turnover along the side boards, leading to a Justin Brazeau goal that tied the game at 2-2 during the second period of their eventual 4-3 overtime loss.
“I think you recognize the importance of every little play and every opportunity, even where your feet are turned, might dictate whether you can get a guy or get your stick on a puck or something. So every little thing just makes a huge difference," McMann told The Hockey News following the club's morning skate ahead of their game against the Winnipeg Jets on Monday. "I think that’s that we’ve got to recognize because come the end of the year, that’s the difference of when you win or lose a game and what wins you a series.”
Looking for more offensive output, Leafs head coach Craig Berube adjusted his forward lines, positioning McMann with Domi and Pontus Holmberg, who returns to the lineup in place of Nick Robertson.
“Every shift is important, every situation is important… (we need) more urgency in his game," Berube said of McMann. I think he could be a lot more physical than he is. He gives it, the physicality, in his skating. You can see it in the power there and stuff, but he needs more consistency.”
Signed to a two-year extension worth $1.35 million per season in March, McMann has blossomed from a player in the minors to an everyday regular in the NHL. It's natural there will be some growing pains, particularly under a new coach who has implemented a new system.
The Leafs are winless in their last three games and McMann is like many of his teammates trying to shake off the early-season highs and fight off the grind that has seen their play ground to a bit of a halt.
"It's more a little bit of complacency that can come in because you're starting to get into a few games in the season, the excitement of maybe the start of the season is wearing off a little bit," McMann explained. "This is when you really have to be focused. I think sometimes the focus just shifts a little bit for myself or maybe others, that's why sometimes those mishaps are mistakes happen."