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Maple Leafs’ Bobby McMann to have hearing for high-sticking Lightning’s Oliver Bjorkstrand

Hunter Crowther
Dec 9, 2025, 09:51 EST
Maple Leafs’ Bobby McMann to have hearing for high-sticking Lightning’s Oliver Bjorkstrand
Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Toronto Maple Leafs’ forward Bobby McMann will have a hearing with the NHL’s Department of Player Safety Tuesday for high-sticking Tampa Bay Lightning forward Oliver Bjorkstrand during their game on Monday, the department announced Tuesday.

The incident occurred during the third period of Monday’s game when McMann’s stick hit Bjorkstrand in the head during a stoppage in play. He received a match penalty and was ejected from the game.

The 29-year-old forward finished the night with three shots and 15 penalty minutes in 9:17 of ice time.

On the same play, Lightning forward Gage Goncalves was given a five-minute major and a game misconduct for kneeing Leafs’ defender Dakota Mermis. Goncalves, 24, finished the night with two shots, 15 penalty minutes and 5:25 of ice time.

The Leafs won the game 2-0, thanks to a Morgan Rielly goal late in the first period and an Auston Matthews empty netter.

McMann has eight goals and six assists for 14 points and 30 penalty minutes in 28 games this season. Now in his fourth NHL seasons, the Wainwright, Alta., native has 43 goals and 30 assists for 73 points in 169 regular-season games. He’s also got three assists in 13 playoff games.

The Leafs are now 14-11-4 with 32 points, fifth in the Atlantic Division. Their next game is Thursday when they host the San Jose Sharks, then Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers come to town Saturday for Hockey Night in Canada.