Bobby McMann has one of the more admirable paths to the NHL you’d see from your typical player. The 28-year-old from Wainwright, Alberta, went undrafted and played out the entirety of his career at Colgate University, eventually earning himself an entry-level contract following his senior season in 2019-20. At 23 years old, he had solid but not eye-popping numbers in his final season with 20 points in 33 games, so for him to reach the NHL at all, let alone carve out a middle-six role on the Toronto Maple Leafs at age 28, is a success story.

McMann’s first real “welcome to the NHL” moment came on February 13 against the St. Louis Blues, the first game after the Morgan Rielly/Ridly Greig drama dominated the headlines for 48 hours. Rielly came out of that drama with a five-game suspension after cross-checking Greig in the head following his empty-net slap shot, but it seemed like the team as a whole got a real momentum boost from everything. With only two goals on the season and none since January 11, McMann decided to put on a clinic to show the league what he could do.

It started with an incredible effort to use his size and drive the puck to the net, the type of goal that will leave any coach drooling. His second one came in the form of an excellent rebound shot, one that probably didn’t have great odds of going in to begin with, but wouldn’t have happened without him being a nuisance in front of the net and trying to redirect the initial shot from the point. Two goals in one game after scoring as many in his first 26 games. Not bad.

Hat tricks that end with an empty-net goal sometimes don’t get the same respect as the others, but McMann’s was a nice bank shot off the boards that almost didn’t make it into the net. Despite a valiant effort from the Blues defenceman chasing after the puck, it crossed the goal line and put him into the history books.

McMann has continued to evolve into a solid complementary power forward, and with nine goals in 27 games, he’s one of the team’s more reliable depth scorers. His presence was sorely missed in the playoffs against the Boston Bruins, and it will be interesting to watch how he further grows into his role in 2025.

Alright, hockey fans, this isn’t just a trip—it’s the Nation Vacation, and we’re heading to the Music City from March 20th to 23rd! Get ready to watch Toronto take on Nashville in their own barn, soak up the honky-tonk vibes, and make unforgettable memories with the Nation crew. Whether you’re all in for a flight package or prefer a non-flight option, we’ve got you covered. Just don’t wait—spots are limited, and this trip is going to be electric. Book your spot NOW at nationgear.ca. Let’s go, Toronto! Nashville is calling!