The National Hockey League (NHL) made a grave error when they decided to suspend Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb and Edmonton Oilers forward Zack Kassian. Both players were handed a suspension for their respective hits on opponents during the game, but the decisions have left many in the hockey community scratching their heads.
McNabb was suspended for one game after delivering a high hit against Los Angeles Kings forward Brendan Lemieux during a game on April 12th. The hit was deemed dangerous and McNabb was subsequently punished by the league, which has a responsibility to protect its players from these types of incidents. However, many fans and analysts feel that the decision was misguided, given that other players who have committed worse infractions have faced less harsh treatment.
In the case of Kassian, he was suspended for seven games after attacking Montreal Canadiens forward Brendan Gallagher during a game on March 20th. The incident sparked a fight between the two players, and Kassian was ultimately ejected from the game for his actions. However, the severity of the suspension has been widely criticized, with some arguing that it was too lenient given the level of violence involved.
One of the main criticisms of the NHL’s handling of these incidents is that there is no clear standard for what constitutes a suspension-worthy offense. While hits to the head and fighting are generally considered to be unacceptable on the ice, the NHL’s disciplinary committee has been inconsistent in its rulings. This has led to a certain degree of frustration and confusion among players and fans alike.
Another issue is the lack of transparency in the disciplinary process. The NHL typically does not reveal the rationale behind its decisions, leaving fans to speculate about the reasoning behind the punishments. This has led to accusations of bias and nepotism, with some players feeling that the league is unfairly targeting certain teams or players.
Overall, the NHL needs to do a better job of enforcing its disciplinary policies and ensuring consistency in its rulings. While it’s always difficult to know where to draw the line when it comes to punishing players for on-ice incidents, the league must make a concerted effort to be transparent and fair in its decision-making. If they can do this, they will be able to maintain the integrity of the game and protect its players, while also satisfying the concerns of fans and players alike.
