During the early 1980s, the Toronto Maple Leafs were a team in distress. There need for defensemen was so urgent that they rushed many into the NHL before learning their position properly, possibly damaging their careers permanently. One such prospect was Bob McGill.
Drafted by Toronto in 1980, the 19-year old defenseman was playing in the NHL full-time in 1981-82. Trying too hard to prove his worth, McGill gave away the puck frequently and got meaningless penalties. As a rookie, Bob McGill sat out 263 penalty minutes. But a couple of trips to the Leafs AHL franchise in St. Catharines settled McGill down.
By 1984-85, he returned to Toronto full-time. His 250 penalty minutes again proved that he was no contender for the Lady Byng, but he played within his range and the maturation was noticeable. After six seasons with the Leafs organization, Bob McGill was dealt to Chicago with Steve Thomas and Rick Vaive, while Ed Olczyk and Al Secord joined the Leafs.
Between 1987-88 and 1990-91, McGill was a valued Hawk, but was left expendable in the 1991 Expansion Draft and was chosen by the San Jose Sharks. The next three seasons must have been a blur for him as he played with the Sharks and Red Wings in 1991-92, was drafted by Tampa Bay, but claimed on waivers by the Leafs the next season, then spent 1993-94 with the New York Islanders and Hartford Whalers.
