Bobby McMahon: Maple Leafs' hidden gem drives depth scoring – Hockey Writer – Toronto Maple Leafs

Bobby McMann's NHL journey is an inspiring story of perseverance. McMahon, 27, was an older rookie last season on a long road to breaking into the Toronto Maple Leafs' lineup. He went undrafted out of Colgate University and played in the ECHL and American Hockey League (AHL), working hard to hone his skills.

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If there was one in the dictionary, McMahon's picture would be the next phrase “Hold on.” He's proven that hard work and determination can pay off, becoming a key second-line scorer for the Maple Leafs; his recent performance suggests he can play a more prominent role as the season progresses. Last season, he scored 15 goals in 56 games. If he can stay healthy this season, he could easily break the 20-goal mark.

McMahon's offensive breakthrough may be upon us

McMahon has proven he can score at the NHL level. He has scored 10 goals this season and has scored in seven of the last eight games, becoming a reliable offensive threat. His most recent goal came in a 5-2 loss to the Washington Capitals, where he scored on a two-on-one with teammate Max Domi to tie the game.

Playing on the third line, McMahon has found his scoring touch and is expected to hit the 20-goal mark, an impressive number for a depth player. His chemistry with Domi and with Nicholas Robertson are particularly noteworthy. The third line combines speed, toughness and skill to create a spark in the bottom six.

McMahon is a physical player on both sides of the ball.

While McMahon's scoring was impressive, he played responsibly in both directions, not just on offense. He is a striker who can hold his own in defensive areas, make smart plays under pressure and drop deep to disrupt opposition charges. His size, speed and determination give him an edge when chasing down opponents in front of the Maple Leafs net.

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McMahon also brings a physical edge to his match. His willingness and ability to engage in puck battles and hits make him a formidable foe. His grit and scoring ability make him a dynamic depth asset.

Can the third line be a catalyst for the Maple Leafs?

McMahon's versatility makes him an interesting option on Toronto's third line, especially alongside Robertson and Domi. Roberson brings speed and a quick shot, while Domi’s playmaking ability and experience complement McMahon’s gritty north-south style of play. Together, this trinity of partnerships creates a high-energy line that blends skill, speed and physicality—exactly what the Maple Leafs need to consistently score in the secondary.

In addition to scoring, an efficient third line can help the Maple Leafs take pressure off the top six, especially in tough games. They can also help control the tempo of the game by maintaining possession and wearing down opposing defenses. Finally, they can contribute key goals in tight games, and deep scoring often becomes a turning point for the team and determines victory or defeat.

McMahon's role in Maple Leafs future

McMahon, who has a salary-cap hit of just $1.35 million as of late, represents excellent value for the Maple Leafs. His contributions allow the team to balance the salary cap while maintaining depth, a key factor in being a playoff contender.

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Going forward, McMahon does have a chance to continue to earn a spot in Toronto's bottom six. If he continues to excel offensively and maintains a strong two-way game, he could even find time in special teams situations like penalty kills or in late-game scenarios where energy and effort are crucial.

McMahon and the Maple Leafs' bottom line

McMahon has emerged as a reliable scorer and gritty two-way player, highlighting the value of grit. His skillset and work ethic have propelled the Maple Leafs, and his chemistry with players like Domi and Robertson could make the third line the key to the team's success. Imagine how difficult the Maple Leafs would be to beat with a third-line offense.

As McMahon continues to rise, the question becomes: How much more can he contribute? Can he crack the top six, or is he better suited to be one of the building blocks of Toronto's depth scoring? Whatever the future holds, McMahon has proven that he is an asset to be reckoned with for the Maple Leafs.