Maple Leafs Face Key Changes Ahead of Sharks Matchup

The Toronto Maple Leafs have had a whirlwind 72 hours, or so. Forward Bobby McMann was suspended one game for high-sticking Tampa Bay Lightning forward Oliver Bjorkstrand during Monday night’s 2-0 win. The NHL announced the suspension on Tuesday, and rules him out tonight versus the San Jose Sharks. Furthermore, defenceman Dakota Mermis also suffered a lower-body injury on the same play. He has been placed on injured reserve, leaving the Leafs to shuffle their roster.

Maple Leafs News Starting with Bobby McMann’s Suspension

This marks McMann’s first NHL suspension. He will forfeit $7,031.25 to the NHL Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund. The good news for Toronto is that he misses only one game. McMann will sit out Thursday’s matchup. but is expected back for Saturday’s contest.

McMann has been a key contributor this season. In 29 games, he has eight goals and six assists, averaging 14:18 of ice time. Over his last five games, he recorded six points, including three goals. His line with Nicolas Roy and Dakota Joshua has generated scoring chances and momentum. Losing him, even for a single game, forces Toronto to adjust its bottom-six lineup. Head coach Craig Berube will likely need to shuffle lines to maintain balance and scoring depth.

Injury Updates

Chris Tanev has returned to regular practice, which is encouraging for Toronto’s defence. Brandon Carlo will likely undergo surgery, though the team has not provided a timeline. Goaltenders Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz remain sidelined, leaving Dennis Hildeby to continue his strong play. Hildeby posted a shutout against Tampa Bay and looks poised to keep the team competitive in net.

Mermis remains sidelined with no immediate timetable for his return. The Leafs have called up Henry Thrun from the Toronto Marlies to fill the gap. Mermis averaged 13:01 of ice time in 11 games this season. Across 89 NHL career games with Toronto, Arizona, New Jersey, Minnesota, and Utah, he has five goals and nine assists. This season, he scored once for Toronto.

Thrun, acquired from the San Jose Sharks in the Ryan Reaves trade, has three goals and six assists in 19 games with the Marlies. He provides defensive depth and a potential boost on special teams.

Adjusting the Lineup

What the news with McMann out mwans for the Maple Leafs is that Nicholas Robertson is likely to take his spot on the third line. The absence of McMann could reduce depth scoring, forcing the Leafs’ top-six stars, Auston Matthews, William Nylander, John Tavares, and Matthew Knies, to shoulder more offensive responsibility. The lineup shuffle will test the team’s ability to maintain momentum and chemistry, especially in a stretch with several tough matchups ahead.

Looking Ahead

Toronto aims to continue its strong run against the Sharks on Thursday. The Maple Leafs have earned points in their last five games, with the only recent loss coming against the Montreal Canadiens. Recent victories include a 7-2 domination of the Pittsburgh Penguins, a 5-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes, a 4-1 victory against the Florida Panthers, and Monday’s 2-0 shutout over Tampa Bay.

Toronto must balance roster challenges with consistent offensive output. Maintaining depth scoring and strong goaltending will be key. If the top-six forwards continue their hot play and the lineup adjusts smoothly, the Leafs have a solid chance to extend their winning streak and remain a top contender in the Eastern Conference.