The NHL Department of Player Safety has issued Toronto Maple Leafs forward Bobby McMann a one-game suspension for high-sticking Tampa Bay Lightning forward Oliver Bjorkstrand.

The infraction occurred during a scrum in Monday’s game, stemming from Gage Goncalves incurring a game misconduct for kneeing Maple Leafs defenceman Dakota Mermis. During the encounter that included a fight between Mermis and Maxwell Crozier, McMann and Bjorkstrand were shoving each other aggressively. Bjorkstrand landed the first blow with a cross-check that came dangerously close to McMann’s neck, which McMann retaliated with a high-stick that grazed the side of Bjorkstrand’s head and shoulder.

McMann was assessed a match penalty on the play, and the NHL Player Safety stated in their video ruling that the play warranted supplemental discipline because he was in full control of his stick and chose instead to act dangerously with it. His lack of a prior suspension explains why the suspension was only for a game, as there is a case that the NHL would have laid down the hammer if this were done by a player with more history of suspensions.

It is worth noting that Goncalves, who received a major penalty and a game misconduct, never received a hearing from the NHL Player Safety for his infraction.

“That is a tough one. It really is,” Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said post-game. “I gotta look at it more closely, which I didn’t. On our view on the bench, I couldn’t really see it too well. So I’ll take a look at it, but I had a tough time with that, to be honest with you.”

McMann will be eligible to return on Saturday against the Edmonton Oilers. He has produced 14 points (eight goals and six assists) in 29 games played so far this season.

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