In a high-stakes match between the Los Angeles Kings and the Vancouver Canucks, a pivotal moment unfolded that not only influenced the game but also led to significant disciplinary action against Kings forward Tanner Jeannot. The NHL Department of Player Safety made the decisive call to suspend Jeannot for three games following his illegal check to the head of Brock Boeser, a star winger for the Canucks. The incident occurred during the first period of their game, contributing to the Kings’ eventual 4-2 defeat.
At 10:44 into the first period, Jeannot’s attempt to assert physical dominance on the ice turned controversial when he delivered a high hit to Boeser just as the latter was passing the puck. The NHL’s ruling highlighted that Jeannot not only made the head of Boeser the primary point of contact but also bypassed the player’s core, qualifying it as a dangerous play. Defenseman Quinn Hughes called attention to the significance of the call, noting that the referees’ decision to award a five-minute penalty clearly indicated the perceived severity of the hit.
The league’s ruling was grounded in two essential criteria for an illegal check to the head: first, that the head was indeed the principal point of contact, and second, that despite Boeser being eligible for a hit, Jeannot executed the maneuver incorrectly. This reflects the NHL’s ongoing commitment to protecting players from head injuries, which have come under increased scrutiny in recent years. Jeannot had only previously encountered the Department of Player Safety once, being fined for an incident involving kneeing.
As a consequence of the suspension, Jeannot will face a financial penalty, losing a significant amount of his salary—specifically, $41,640.63—during the duration of his ban. This forfeited amount is directed towards the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund, showcasing the league’s dedication to using disciplinary actions as a means of supporting broader player welfare initiatives. Despite the setback, Jeannot’s performance leading into this issue has been underwhelming, with only one goal and one assist recorded over the course of 15 games with the Kings, after his acquisition from the Tampa Bay Lightning during the offseason.
The Kings now find themselves in a challenging position as they navigate the remainder of the season without one of their forwards who leads the NHL in penalty minutes. This suspension may spur discussions around Jeannot’s playing style and the need for him to adjust his approach in order to prevent similar incidents in the future. Meanwhile, Brock Boeser continues to contribute to the Canucks, proving pivotal to their offensive game. The fallout from this incident extends beyond Jeannot’s suspension, impacting both teams as they strive for success in a competitive league. As the league’s stance on player safety continues to evolve, players must adapt to these changes, lest they find themselves facing further disciplinary actions.
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