Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube disagrees with the NHL Department of Player Safety's decision to suspend forward Bobby McMann one game for high-sticking.
McMann was given a match penalty after he struck Tampa Bay Lightning forward Oliver Bjorkstrand over the head in the third period.
Maple Leafs forward Bobby McMann has been suspended 1 game for high sticking #GoBolts forward Oliver Bjorkstrand. #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/UKpkqo2LpB
— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) December 9, 2025
The scrum ensued after Gage Goncalves earned a match penalty of his own for kneeing Dakota Mermis. Goncalves wasn't disciplined by the league.
Gage Goncalves received a 5-minute major and a game misconduct for kneeing on Dakota Mermis pic.twitter.com/hGtUJbZjcl
— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) December 9, 2025
"We lose a guy for probably a month at least. There's nothing," Berube said of Mermis' injury, per The Athletic's Jonas Siegel. "And that hurt. I thought it was more of him getting bumped and his stick (came up). I know you (got to) be in control of your stick, but I don't think it's worth a suspension."
McMann had no history of suspensions or fines before the incident. He'll be forced to sit out Thursday's contest against the San Jose Sharks.
