Bobby McMann Says Kraken Deal Hasn't Changed His Drive
The Seattle winger begins his preseason Thursday after signing a six-year, $34.5 million contract in June.
Bobby McMann says the security of the six-year, $34.5 million contract he signed with the Seattle Kraken in June has not changed the work ethic that carried him from the ECHL to the NHL. He is scheduled to play his first preseason game under the new deal Thursday at home against Calgary.
McMann went undrafted after four seasons at Colgate, where he served as captain and earned a Hobey Baker Award nomination. He began his professional career in the ECHL and made his NHL debut with Toronto in January 2023.
The 30-year-old scored a career-high 29 goals in 78 games last season between Toronto and Seattle, including 10 goals in 18 games after the Kraken acquired him in March. His six-year agreement carries a $5.75 million annual average value.
"I've always kind of worked as a little bit of the underdog," McMann said. "Never drafted, never got a contract out of college. I had to work for that." He added that he is "just as hungry as ever" after Seattle missed the playoffs last season.
McMann said speed remains the foundation of his game, and he has tried to raise the pace in practice without disrupting the veterans already established in Seattle. The Kraken are counting on his offense after finishing last season at 2.73 goals per game. Their regular season opens Oct. 1 in Calgary.
