New York, Dec. 22, 2023 – The National Hockey League’s Commissioner, Gary Bettman, has confirmed the six-game suspension of Detroit Red Wings forward David Perron. The decision comes after Perron appealed the original ruling, which followed an incident involving Ottawa Senators defenseman Artem Zub during NHL Game No. 412 in Detroit on December 9.
The situation unfolded late in the first period, following an injury to Detroit’s Dylan Larkin. The play had been stopped due to Larkin’s injury, and it was during this stoppage that Perron engaged in the cross-checking incident. The video footage reviewed by the NHL Department of Player Safety showed Perron deliberately targeting Zub, who was standing over the injured Larkin. Perron raised his stick with both hands and forcefully struck Zub on the right side of his face and head, knocking him to the ice. It was noted that Zub, who appeared to be motioning for medical assistance for Larkin, was not responsible for Larkin’s injury.
Perron was immediately assessed a match penalty for the incident, with the on-ice officials deeming it a deliberate attempt to injure. During the appeal hearing, the NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA) acknowledged the illegality of Perron’s action but contested the severity of the six-game suspension. They argued that Perron intended to strike Zub’s arm and that the stick contact with the head was incidental. Additionally, they cited Perron’s lack of significant history of disciplinary actions and the fact that Zub did not suffer a serious injury as reasons to mitigate the suspension.
However, Commissioner Bettman, after reviewing the evidence and hearing testimonies, upheld the original decision. Bettman’s ruling emphasized the intentional nature of Perron’s actions and the lack of provocation by Zub. The decision took into account the need for effective discipline to ensure player safety, especially concerning head-related offenses. Bettman referred to previous instances of discipline in the NHL to illustrate that even first-time offenders could be subject to significant suspensions for egregious conduct.
The ruling highlights the NHL’s continued emphasis on player safety and its zero-tolerance stance on actions that could cause serious injury, especially those involving the head. Perron’s conduct, deemed uncharacteristic and highly dangerous, was considered deserving of the six-game suspension, aligning with the evolving standards of the game and the collective efforts of the League and NHLPA in the area of player safety.
David Perron, who has already served the full six-game suspension, is set to resume play, with the incident serving as a firm reminder of the NHL’s commitment to maintaining a safe and sportsmanlike playing environment.
