Detroit Red Wings forward David Perron has been suspended for six games without pay following a cross-check to the head of Ottawa Senators defenseman Artem Zub. This suspension marks the first of Perron’s long NHL career, which spans over 1,000 games. The cross-check was delivered as retaliation after Detroit captain Dylan Larkin was hit by two Senators players, leaving him motionless on the ice.
In their suspension ruling, the NHL’s Department of Player Safety stated that “the brunt of the impact of this blow is clearly absorbed by Zub’s head, due to the actions and choices made by Perron.” They deemed that significant supplemental discipline was necessary for the play. Perron received a match penalty during the game and chose to have his hearing over Zoom instead of in-person.
The Impact on Larkin
Larkin, who took the initial hit from forward Mathieu Joseph and then collided with Parker Kelly, was able to get up with assistance and head towards the locker room. However, he has been placed on injured reserve with no defined timetable for his return. Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde expressed his disappointment at losing a player of Larkin’s caliber for an extended period of time. Larkin is currently tied for the team lead in scoring with 25 points in 24 games.
The NHL declared that Perron’s cross-check was not a “hockey play,” but rather an “intentional strike with the stick made with the purpose of exacting retribution on an opponent.” Despite the Red Wings arguing that the cross-check was not a direct hit to Zub’s head, the NHL disagreed. They stated that Perron’s stick made glancing contact with Zub’s shoulder pad and that its angle and height remained unaffected.
The NHL’s player safety rulings do not make exceptions for actions made in the heat of the moment or as retribution for an illegal act. Players are explicitly informed that their actions will not be excused, even if they are seeking revenge. Perron’s suspension resulted in a forfeiture of $148,437.48, which will contribute to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
Comparison and Contention
Coach Lalonde, without delving into much detail, compared Perron’s suspension to a two-game suspension that Toronto’s Auston Matthews received for a high, forceful cross-check in a game against Buffalo two seasons ago. He pointed out that Perron had a clean record across his 1,100-game career and expressed disappointment on the discrepancy in the length of their suspensions.
Perron’s Response and Further Appeal
Perron retains the option to appeal his suspension. Since the suspension is six or more games, he can first appeal to NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and, if necessary, proceed to appeal to a neutral arbitrator. Perron’s agent criticized the suspension, referring to the Department of Player Safety as “the Parros Kangaroo Court” and calling the suspension “a farce.” He highlighted other incidents of violent cross-checks resulting in lesser penalties and emphasized that Zub played the next shift without injury.
Additional Suspension and Aggressor Rule Violation
In a separate incident, Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Erik Gudbranson was suspended for one game after violating the league’s aggressor rule during an altercation with Florida Panthers forward Nick Cousins. Gudbranson’s retaliatory actions stemmed from Cousins checking him into the boards from behind, resulting in penalties for both players.
The suspension of David Perron has raised questions about the consistency of NHL player safety rulings. The incident involving the cross-check to the head of Artem Zub has resulted in significant discipline for Perron, who had previously maintained a clean record throughout his lengthy career. The discrepancy between Perron’s suspension and previous rulings has sparked debate and criticism. The NHL’s decision-making process and the potential for appeals will play a crucial role in determining the final outcome of this controversy.
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