NHL Controversy: No Supplemental Discipline for Yakov Trenin Despite Forbort’s Injury
Minnesota Wild forward Yakov Trenin will not face supplemental discipline from the NHL Department of Player Safety for a late punch that broke Vancouver Canucks defenseman derek Forbort’s orbital bone. The controversial incident, deemed a “cheap shot” by some, has sparked debate about the NHL’s rulebook and its ability to adequately address intent-to-injure plays.
Late punch Leads to Season-Ending injury
The incident occurred during the third period of Saturday’s game after Trenin delivered a late hit to Canucks captain Quinn Hughes. Forbort engaged Trenin in a fight, during which Trenin delivered a final punch as Forbort was falling to the ice. Canucks coach Rick Tocchet called the punch “one of the dirtiest things I’ve seen”.
NHL Rulebook Limits Disciplinary Action
While Trenin received a major penalty for fighting and a game misconduct, the NHL rulebook’s specific wording regarding “aggressor” penalties appears to limit the Department of Player Safety’s ability to impose further punishment. Rule 46.17 outlines suspensions for repeat offenders, but lacks provisions for a first-time incident, even one resulting in significant injury.
Rule 46.2 Defines “Aggressor”
Rule 46.2 defines an ”aggressor” as “the player who continues to throw punches in an attempt to inflict punishment on his opponent who is in a defenseless position or who is an unwilling combatant.” While Trenin’s actions seemingly fit this definition, the absence of a specific penalty for a single incident of aggression leaves the Department of Player Safety with limited recourse.
Oversight in NHL Disciplinary System?
The lack of supplemental discipline has raised concerns about a potential oversight in the NHL’s rules, with critics arguing that the league should have the power to suspend players for actions clearly intended to cause injury, irrespective of prior offenses. Forbort is out for the remainder of the season.
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NHL Controversy: No Supplemental Discipline for Yakov trenin Despite Forbort’s Injury
Minnesota Wild forward Yakov Trenin will not face supplemental discipline from the NHL Department of Player Safety for a late punch that broke Vancouver Canucks defenseman derek Forbort’s orbital bone. The controversial incident, deemed a “cheap shot” by some, has sparked debate about the NHL’s rulebook and its ability to adequately address intent-to-injure plays.
Late punch Leads to Season-Ending injury
The incident occurred during the third period of Saturday’s game after Trenin delivered a late hit to Canucks captain Quinn Hughes. Forbort engaged Trenin in a fight, during which Trenin delivered a final punch as Forbort was falling to the ice. Canucks coach Rick Tocchet called the punch “one of the dirtiest things I’ve seen”.
NHL Rulebook Limits Disciplinary Action
While Trenin received a major penalty for fighting and a game misconduct, the NHL rulebook’s specific wording regarding “aggressor” penalties appears to limit the Department of Player Safety’s ability to impose further punishment.Rule 46.17 outlines suspensions for repeat offenders, but lacks provisions for a first-time incident, even one resulting in notable injury.
Rule 46.2 Defines “Aggressor”
Rule 46.2 defines an ”aggressor” as “the player who continues to throw punches in an attempt to inflict punishment on his opponent who is in a defenseless position or who is an unwilling combatant.” While Trenin’s actions seemingly fit this definition, the absence of a specific penalty for a single incident of aggression leaves the Department of Player Safety with limited recourse.
Oversight in NHL Disciplinary System?
The lack of supplemental discipline has raised concerns about a potential oversight in the NHL’s rules, with critics arguing that the league should have the power to suspend players for actions clearly intended to cause injury, irrespective of prior offenses.Forbort is out for the remainder of the season.
Q&A: Unpacking the Trenin Controversy
- Why wasn’t Yakov Trenin suspended?
- The NHL Department of Player safety persistent that, while the punch was hazardous and resulted in a serious injury, the current rules don’t provide clear provisions for supplemental discipline for a first-time aggressor instance. He received a major penalty and a game misconduct, but that was deemed sufficient under existing regulations.
- What are the specific rules in the NHL rulebook that limit discipline?
- Rule 46.17 focuses on suspensions for repeat offenders in fighting situations. Rule 46.2 defines an “aggressor,” but there isn’t a specific penalty outlined for a single instance of aggression, especially if it’s a first offense, irrespective of the severity of the injury.
- What was Quinn Hughes’ role in the incident?
- Trenin delivered a late hit to Hughes before the ensuing fight with Forbort. Hughes’s role was directly preceding the events that led to the fight but was not directly involved in the fight itself.
- What does “orbital bone fracture” mean for Forbort?
- An orbital bone fracture is a break in the bones surrounding the eye socket. This injury requires surgery and a recovery period, effectively ending Forbort’s season. It’s a serious injury that can impact vision and require a lengthy recovery.
- Could the rules change in the future?
- Possibly. The scrutiny of this incident, and the debate it has fueled will likely put pressure on the NHL to revisit its rules to better address intent-to-injure plays, regardless of prior disciplinary history. Keep an eye on the league’s announcements regarding rule changes and player safety initiatives.
The Trenin incident highlights a critical gap in the NHL’s disciplinary system. The league now has the possibility to reevaluate their rules to ensure player safety and fair play is maintained.
