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NHL

Bobby McMann Faces Hearing After Fiery Clash in Leafs-Lightning Game

Alex Neier photo
By Alex Neier · 3 min read
Bobby McMann
Dec 6, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Bobby McMann (74) carries the puck past Montreal Canadiens forward Nick Suzuki (14) in the first period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Bobby McMann is scheduled for a hearing with the NHL Department of Player Safety on Tuesday, a development that could see him sidelined with a suspension. The review stems from a heated moment in Monday’s game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, where McMann was slapped with a match penalty for high-sticking.

The incident was part of a larger, chaotic scrum that erupted late in the third period. It all kicked off when Leafs defenseman Dakota Mermis was taken out by a knee-on-knee hit from Lightning forward Gage Goncalves. As tensions flared, McMann was seen chopping his stick down in the direction of Lightning winger Oliver Bjorkstrand, striking him in the shoulder and head area.

Officials on the ice didn’t hesitate, issuing McMann a match penalty. Under Rule 21, this automatically suspends him from further play until the league’s commissioner has reviewed the incident. For a player who has never been suspended in his NHL career, this is new territory.

The Aftermath of the Melee

The on-ice fallout was significant. McMann’s penalty offset the five-minute major and game misconduct that Goncalves received for the initial kneeing infraction on Mermis. The chaos didn’t stop there; Dakota Joshua of the Leafs and Max Crozier of the Lightning were also handed five-minute majors for fighting.

Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube expressed his disagreement with the call against McMann in his post-game comments. “That is a tough one. It really is,” Berube told reporters. “From our view on the bench, I couldn’t really see it too well. I’ll take a look at it, but I had a tough time with that, to be honest with you.”

Berube had a clearer view of the hit that started it all, supporting the officials’ decision on Goncalves. “Well, it is a knee. I think it is a good call, the five-minute major,” he said. The team announced that the extent of Mermis’s injury would be evaluated on Tuesday.

What’s Next for Bobby McMann?

With the hearing now officially on the books, Bobby McMann faces potential disciplinary action from the league. The Department of Player Safety will review the play to determine if McMann’s actions warrant a suspension beyond the automatic one tied to the match penalty.

Bobby McMann, 29, has been a solid contributor for the Leafs this season, putting up eight goals and six assists through 29 games. His clean record up to this point might factor into the league’s decision, but the nature of the stick swing—especially toward an opponent’s head—is often met with a firm response from player safety.

Losing Bobby McMann for any length of time would be a blow to the Leafs’ forward depth as they continue to navigate a competitive schedule. Despite the late-game drama, Toronto managed to shut out the Lightning 2-0, improving its record to 14-11-4.

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