NHL Player Safety Takes Over All Discipline Calls
The NHL Department of Player Safety will now determine supplemental discipline for players who violate all league rules rather than just those who commit physical infractions, the league told ESPN on Tuesday. Since the Department of Player Safety was formed prior to the 2011-12 season, significant changes are now in place for this season.
The Department of Player Safety was responsible only for in-game physical fouls and/or injuries caused by players who violated NHL policy. The NHL had previously considered having Player Safety handle all player-related discipline, but the shift only happened this season.
NHL Player Safety to Determine Violations
Now, NHL players will be disciplined and/or fined by the Players’ Safety if they use inappropriate language, make obscene gestures, or abuse officials, a role previously handled by Colin Campbell, the NHL’s executive vice president and director of hockey operations.
Before the change, Colin Campbell handled non-physical violations while George Parros handled physical violations. Campbell will continue to handle disciplinary matters for coaches and team executives, while NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman will continue to handle major off-ice issues.
William Nylander Violating NHL Policy
Recently, Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander was fined $5,000 for flipping off a TSN camera with his middle finger in a game he was not playing in due to a lower-body injury. The incident occurred on Sunday when the Maple Leafs were playing the Colorado Avalanche. Nylander was cited for violating the league’s policy on “inappropriate and offensive remarks, and the use of obscene, profane or abusive language or gestures” during a game.
George Parros, NHL senior vice president of player safety, is determined to address Nylander’s actions and proceed with the disciplinary action against the forward. Parros said, “This serves as a reminder that the code of conduct governing players extends throughout the arena at NHL games and in public game situations.”
Bryan Rust Fined By Player Safety
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Bryan Rust has been suspended for three games, without pay, for an illegal check to the head of Vancouver Canucks forward Brock Boeser on Sunday, January 25th. The NHL Players’ Safety Department announced it today.
The incident occurred at 19:57 of the third period. Rust was assessed a minor penalty for an illegal check to the head. Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and, based on his average annual salary, Rust will forfeit $80,078.13. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
What’s Next
The shift to having the Department of Player Safety handle all player-related discipline represents the NHL’s move to centralize and standardize how player misconduct is penalized. This change aims for greater consistency in applying the league’s rules across the board.
