While the entire college hockey circuit was delayed by the pandemic, McLaughlin took charge when he finally did hit the ice. He finished second on the team in scoring and helped BC return to the NCAA Tournament. McLaughlin was named to the United States national team after the NHL announced that it would not be sending its players to the Winter Olympics.

McLaughlin signed a two-year entry level contract with the Boston Bruins on March 15, 2022. He made his NHL debut for the Bruins on March 31, 2022, scoring his first career goal in an 8–1 victory over the New Jersey Devils.