Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs need to make a choice on how to approach this season soon, and it seems like one decision could be the catalyst that kicks things off.
Although the Maple Leafs came away with a victory on Saturday night against Vancouver, it still wasn’t the easiest game and the team didn’t exactly get hot; needing a shootout to squeak past the Canucks 2-1.
They face a couple more tough games before the break and if they don’t figure out which direction they are going to go — be it buying low or selling high, there are decisions needing to be made soon before time starts really running out.
Toronto’s Bobby McMann situation is causing a serious headache
But it seems like those decisions are on hold for one particular reason, and the team needs to pick a lane when it comes to the future of one player: Bobby McMann.
Right now, the team hasn’t come to conclusion as to whether or not they should commit to him long-term or whether they should sell high and start the retooling off with a bit of a bang.
That’s holding them back clearly, and it’s not like McMann is a 23-year old prospect on the cusp of stardom like Matthew Knies. He’s going to be 30, and while he’s been great in his two seasons; is that guaranteed going forward?
Toronto should keep McMann around but only if he signs for less than expected
We’ve seen a lot of flashes in the pan previously in Toronto that seemed to fizzle out as quick as they came in (see Max Domi) and if the team is going to pay him upwards of $5-million a season — they better ensure they’re getting consistent production.
McMann clearly has the talent to help out the team going forward, and if it’s a retool and not a rebuild then he could be a huge factor in the offense for the next couple of years.
If Toronto were to sign him for a three-year deal at slightly above double his current salary ($1.35-million) that gives him enough time to help settle things while the team gets the better pieces around him to then hopefully take his place when his contract is done.
There’s no time to waste anymore, and if McMann is in the plans then keep him around. If not, then it should be the first domino in what could be a complete makeover of the Maple Leafs.
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Maple Leafs need to pick a lane as time runs out, and one decision could tip it
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