Los Angeles Kings forward Tanner Jeannot has been suspended for three games by the NHL Department of Player Safety for an illegal check to the head of Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser. The incident occurred during the Kings’ 4-2 loss to the Canucks in Los Angeles on Thursday night when Jeannot delivered a high hit with his right shoulder that caught Boeser’s head.
The NHL ruled that Jeannot’s hit on Boeser met the criteria for an illegal check to the head, as the head was the main point of contact, even though there was contact with other parts of Boeser’s body. This was not Jeannot’s first offense, as he was previously fined for kneeing Ottawa’s Brady Tkachuk in March 2022 when he was with the Nashville Predators.
As a result of the suspension, Jeannot will forfeit $41,640.63, which will go to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund. While NHL players have the right to appeal on-ice discipline to commissioner Gary Bettman within 48 hours of a ruling, Jeannot will not be able to appeal to a neutral arbitrator since his suspension is less than six games.
Jeannot, who has one goal and one assist in 15 games for the Kings this season, leads the NHL with 36 penalty minutes. On the other hand, Boeser is tied for second on the Canucks in scoring with 11 points in 12 games.
Head injuries and illegal hits in hockey are serious concerns, as they can have long-lasting effects on players’ health and careers. The NHL’s Department of Player Safety plays a crucial role in enforcing rules and regulations to protect the safety of all players on the ice.
It is important for players to be aware of the consequences of their actions and to always prioritize fair play and sportsmanship. By holding players accountable for illegal hits, the NHL aims to create a safer environment for everyone involved in the game of hockey.
Ultimately, Tanner Jeannot’s suspension serves as a reminder that player safety is a top priority in the NHL, and that there are strict consequences for actions that put others at risk on the ice.