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NHL Department of Player Safety Declares No Hearing for Seattle Kraken Forward Despite Controversial Play

The National Hockey League playoffs for 2022–2023 are currently in full swing, and several series have seen what can only be described as questionable hits, as well as a discrepancy between the officiating teams and the Department of Player Safety regarding where to draw the line between a hockey play and a dangerous circumstance.

After striking Colorado forward Andrew Cogliano late in the second period of the Colorado Avalanche’s game against the Seattle Kraken, Kraken forward Jordan Eberle was given a two-minute boarding penalty; no further action was taken.

Cale Makar was given a one-game suspension earlier in the series for a hit he delivered to Jared McCann, which begs the following query. What does the Department of Player Safety do exactly, and what do they look for when they look into incidents? Jared Bednar, the head coach of the Avalanche, would also like to know.

Although they are given case-by-case assignments, it is clear that the DoPS is unsure of what they are supposed to be doing and that they are unable to provide examples of what they actually look at to compare.

Igor Burdetskiy

Igor Burdetskiy

Founder, Editor-in-Chief, & CEO at Hooked on Hockey Magazine
I grew up playing Ball and Roller Hockey day and night somewhat religiously throughout elementary and middle school. The two don't compare though when I lace up the skates and hit the ice. I live and breathe hockey beyond the perspective of "it's just a game" and I will gladly talk hockey for hours with anyone. Hockey is more than just a lifestyle, it's a culture of passionate people who make memories every time the puck is dropped. Hockey has not only helped me get through some of the hardest times in life but has created some of the best memories to date. Want to talk hockey with me? Shoot me an email: iburdetskiy@hookedonhockey.com and let's talk some hockey!
Igor Burdetskiy
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