The world of professional hockey is no stranger to physicality, but the recent incident involving Los Angeles Kings forward Tanner Jeannot has reignited discussions about player safety and the protocols in place to protect athletes on the ice. Jeannot was handed a three-game suspension by the NHL’s Department of Player Safety following an illegal check to the head of Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser. The incident occurred during a match in which the Kings fell 4-2 to the Canucks, a game that not only impacted the standings but also raised questions about accountability and the standards of punishment in the league.
The problematic moment happened at 10:44 in the first period when Jeannot delivered a high hit using his right shoulder that directly impacted Boeser’s head as he passed the puck near the red line. Such high hits are often scrutinized due to their potential for injury, and in this case, Jeannot’s move clearly met the NHL’s criteria for an illegal check. According to the league, Jeannot’s hit was particularly egregious because he missed much of Boeser’s core, making the head the primary point of contact.
Quinn Hughes, a defenseman for the Canucks, remarked on the severity of the play, acknowledging that the referees had good reason to call a five-minute major penalty, highlighting the dangerous nature of the hit. This assessment reinforces the view within the league that player safety must always be a priority, thereby justifying the suspension that Jeannot subsequently received.
This isn’t the first time Jeannot has faced the league’s disciplinary actions; his history includes a $2,000 fine for kneeing an opponent while playing for the Nashville Predators. His previous run-ins with player safety protocols only underscore a troubling trend that can lead to more severe repercussions, not only for him but also for his team. The suspension will cost Jeannot over $41,000, a financial hit that serves as a deterrent meant to encourage players to think twice before engaging in risky plays.
Moreover, the suspension arrives at a pivotal moment for the Kings, as Jeannot has struggled offensively with just one goal and one assist in 15 games since his acquisition from the Tampa Bay Lightning. While leading the league in penalty minutes, the Kings clearly need him to contribute more positively to their performance rather than be a liability.
Jeannot’s suspension raises important questions about the NHL’s approach to player discipline and safety. As players become faster and stronger, the checks and balances to ensure safety must evolve. The NHL has mandated appeals through commissioner Gary Bettman for on-ice discipline, but Jeannot’s suspension being under six games limits further appeal options. This brings forth the discussion on whether the league’s disciplinary practices are stringent enough in the age of heightened awareness regarding head injuries.
As the NHL continues to grapple with this critical issue, the effectiveness of its player safety measures will be tested, not only in this case but also in future incidents. The intersection of aggression and safety remains a delicate balancing act that needs ongoing reassessment to protect the athletes playing the game.
Leave a Reply