Toronto Maple Leafs: Who Will be Their Playoff X-Factor?

Bobby McMann

Bobby McMann is having himself one heck of a season.

The 27-year-old McMann is playing in his first complete season at the NHL level. He has registered 14 goals and nine assists for 23 points in 51 games while playing an average of 11:36 minutes of ice time.

McMann has proven that he can score at the NHL level, and the Leafs will need his secondary scoring once the playoffs start.

One of the reasons why McMann has become so valuable to this Leafs team is not only his scoring ability but what he does without the puck.

Through 51 games, McMann has 18 blocked shots, 106 hits, and 20 takeaways compared to 12 giveaways. He has earned the trust of head coach Sheldon Keefe, and it's easy to see why.

Leafs GM Brad Treliving obviously likes the way McMann plays, that's why he re-signed him to a two-year deal worth $1.35 million a season. (Salary cap info from capfriendly.com)

This will be McMann's first taste of the NHL playoffs, so I don't expect him to have a big role early in the Leafs first-round series, but I think he will gain more ice time once he earns it.

Expect McMann to have a bigger impact in the series starting in game three or four. However, I would love for him to prove me wrong and have an immediate impact. He has more than enough potential to be an X-factor for the Leafs