Detroit Red Wings' Dylan Larkin facing possible suspension for hit to the head

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TJ Tucker
October 4, 2024 (9:07)

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Dylan Larkin of the Detroit Red Wings may find himself in a hearing with the Department of Player Safety after a hit on Marshall Rifai of the Toronto Maple Leafs

If it seems the 2024-25 NHL preseason has brought more violence than usual, that's likely because it has. There have been a few incidents in these "games that don't matter" as we gear up for the regular season, and another happened last night in a game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings.

With the third period winding down in the game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings, Dylan Larkin dished out a clear hit to the head of Marshall Rifai. Larkin was given a two minute minor for an illegal check to the head on the play.

Marshall Rifai was not hurt on the play and did not miss any time in the game. Dylan Larkin, who recently said he believes he has a "next level" that he hasn't hit yet, has been building a reputation for some questionable hits over the years.

This is just the latest in a string of incidents no one expects to see in preseason NHL action. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman recently hinted that the NHL preseason needs to be shorter, adding it's something the league's board of governors will discuss.

"We've heard that. We've heard that. It's on the list of things to think about."

The NHL is also considering expanding the regular season to 84 games, instead of the current 82. That will likely be inevitable if more NHL teams are added through expansion.