Player Safety Sends Message with Erik Gudbranson Ruling
PUBLICATION
TJ Tucker
December 11, 2023 (8:28 PM)
The NHL's Department of Player Safety has sent a message after making its ruling on Erik Gudbranson of the Columbus Blue Jackets.
DoPS has released it's verdict after summoning Gudbranson under the "Aggressor Rule" for taking down Nick Cousins and landing several punches while the member of the Florida Panthers was on the ice. In what seems like a message to the league and its officials, Player Safety has decided on just one game. Its ruling states DoPS acknowledges Gudbranson's frustration after a hit from Cousins that he took earlier was not called.
"While we acknowledge that frustration, players are not excused from grossly violating league rules in retribution or retaliation for hits thrown on them, legal or otherwise."
Still, one game seems like a light sentence in this case. It's almost like DoPS is acknowledging that Gudbranson had to take matters into his own hands due to the poor judgement of the officials in the game.
POLL |
Do you agree with this ruling? |
Yes | 77 | 25.3 % |
No, should have been more | 73 | 24 % |
No, should have been zero | 119 | 39.1 % |
Not sure | 35 | 11.5 % |
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