A breakout forward who spent years battling for NHL roster spots has credited his new long-term contract for giving him the stability to shift his focus away from survival and onto performance. The six-year, $34.5 million deal, signed last summer, has provided the security many players chase, allowing him to play with greater confidence and freedom. His journey from fighting for ice time to securing a major contract reflects a common struggle in professional hockey, where roster spots are fiercely contested. The shift in mindset could mark a turning point in his career, as he now approaches each game with a different perspective.

After years fighting for every hockey roster spot ever given, Kraken winger Bobby McMann says the security garnered from his six-year, $34.5 million deal signed last June has allowed him to focus on b ...