The NHL’s Department of Player Safety has consistently handed down suspensions to deter dangerous play and protect players. In this installment—Part 3 of our series—we examine some of the most notable suspensions from the past few seasons. Each case highlights the league’s evolving standards on hits to the head, boarding, slashing, and other infractions. Whether you’re a casual fan or a die-hard hockey follower, understanding these rulings helps clarify what crosses the line in today’s game.
Tom Wilson’s Multiple Suspensions (2021-2023)
Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson has become one of the most disciplined players in the league. In 2021, he was suspended seven games for an illegal hit to the head of New York Rangers’ Pavel Buchnevich during a scrum. The hit occurred after a faceoff, with Wilson delivering a high, forceful blow to Buchnevich’s head. The Department of Player Safety cited Wilson’s history of supplemental discipline and the predatory nature of the hit. Later that same season, Wilson received a four-game suspension for boarding Bruins’ Brandon Carlo, which caused a concussion. These suspensions cost Wilson nearly $500,000 in salary and placed him under a spotlight for repeat offending.
Impact on Wilson’s Play
Wilson has since adjusted his game, reducing suspensions since 2022, though his physical style remains a target for critics. The league’s message was clear: even star players face heavy penalties for reckless conduct.
Morgan Rielly’s Cross-Check on Ridly Greig (2024)
In February 2024, Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly was suspended five games for cross-checking Ottawa Senators forward Ridly Greig in the face. The incident ignited after Greig took a slapshot into an empty net in a lopsided game, which many viewed as unsportsmanlike. Rielly retaliated with a cross-check to Greig’s head, leading to a scrum. The Department of Player Safety ruled that Rielly’s intent to injure was clear, and the suspension was upheld despite an appeal. This case underscored that even emotional retaliation has consequences.
Aftermath
Rielly missed five games, and his absence hurt the Maple Leafs’ defensive depth. The suspension also sparked debate about when a player should step in to police unwritten rules versus leaving punishment to the league.
Ryan Hartman’s Head Shot on Austin Wagner (2022)
Minnesota Wild forward Ryan Hartman received a six-game suspension in 2022 for elbowing Chicago Blackhawks’ Austin Wagner in the head. The hit occurred along the boards, with Hartman elevating his elbow into Wagner’s jaw. Wagner suffered a concussion and missed several weeks. Hartman, a first-time offender at the time, argued the hit was accidental, but video evidence showed clear intent to make high contact. The length of the suspension signaled that the league was serious about protecting players from blindside hits.
Hartman’s Repercussions
Beyond the missed games, Hartman’s reputation took a hit. He has since avoided further supplemental discipline, suggesting the penalty served as a deterrent.
Lawson Crouse’s Dirty Hit on Kyle Burroughs (2023)
Arizona Coyotes forward Lawson Crouse was suspended three games in 2023 for a knee-on-knee hit on San Jose Sharks defenseman Kyle Burroughs. Burroughs was injured on the play, and the league determined that Crouse had time to avoid the dangerous contact. While Crouse had no prior history of suspension, the league emphasized that reckless kneeing cannot be tolerated. The relatively short suspension reflected that it was not a repeat offense, but the injury to Burroughs made it a notable case.
Context of the Hit
This suspension reminded players to be disciplined in their body positions when finishing checks, as knee-to-knee collisions can end careers.
Evander Kane’s Fight Rule Violation (2022)
Evander Kane, then with the Edmonton Oilers, was suspended one game in 2022 for violating league rules related to fighting. Kane fought Anaheim’s Sam Carrick, but prior to the fight, Kane had removed his helmet, which is a restriction under the NHL’s anti-instigator rule. The suspension was minor, but it added to Kane’s lengthy history of off-ice and on-ice controversies. Notably, Kane had been suspended 21 games in 2022 for submitting a fake COVID-19 vaccine card, so this was a small addition.
Broader Message
The NHL’s fight rules are designed to reduce head trauma. Kane’s suspension showed that even established enforcers must follow guidelines.
Brad Marchand’s Elbow on Oliver Ekman-Larsson (2021)
Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand earned a two-game suspension in 2021 for elbowing Vancouver Canucks defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson. The hit was late and high, catching Ekman-Larsson in the head. Marchand’s reputation as a repeat offender—he had been suspended five times prior—could have justified a longer ban, but the league gave only two games, citing the hit’s moderate severity and Marchand’s clean recent record. Fans criticized the inconsistency, pointing to harsher penalties for lesser-known players.
Inconsistency Criticism
Marchand’s case highlighted the challenge of balancing player history with current actions. While the league claims to consider repeat offenses, the punishment sometimes seems lenient for star players.
Practical Guidance: How the NHL Determines Suspensions
Understanding these cases can help players and coaches know what to avoid. The Department of Player Safety uses a five-point checklist: (1) severity of the infraction, (2) whether the hit was predatory or retaliatory, (3) injury to the victim, (4) player’s history, and (5) the game situation (e.g., score, time). For fans, recognizing these factors makes suspension news more predictable.
Final Recommendation
If you’re a player aiming to avoid suspensions, focus on keeping your elbow down, avoiding blindside hits, and never targeting the head. For fans, treat each suspension as a learning opportunity to understand the league’s evolving safety priorities. The NHL’s disciplinary record shows a clear trend: dangerous hits are being punished more consistently, but occasional leniency for stars remains. Stay informed by following the league’s rulings and watching for patterns in future Part 4 articles.