NHL issues suspension verdict on Cedric Pare's dirty hit on Patrik Laine
The NHL has seemingly made its decision regarding Toronto Maple Leafs forward Cédric Paré's knee-on-knee collision with Canadiens forward Patrik Laine and many are upset with the lack of action.
During Saturday night's preseason game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens , Patrik Laine suffered a serious knee injury after a collision with Pare. The injury forced Laine to leave the game with assistance, and it's just one of several injuries the Canadiens faced that night.
Many Canadiens fans, coaches, and even former players like P.K. Subban have been calling for more consequences for Pare's hit. Subban voiced his concerns on social media, arguing that Laine deserves more respect, which has resonated with fans. However, it appears the NHL has decided not to penalize Pare, leaving many, especially in Montreal, frustrated with the league's response or lack thereof.
Despite the severity of Laine's injury, the NHL has opted not to suspend or fine Pare, even though Laine could be out long-term. Adding to the frustration is the fact that the league did fine Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj for his actions against Pare later in the game, a decision that has left many fans puzzled.
While it's widely accepted that Pare didn't intend to hurt Laine, many argue that the hit still warrants some form of punishment, especially given the potential long-term consequences for Laine. The lack of consistency in how the league handles these situations continues to rub fans the wrong way, as it seems the league's decisions are not always fair across the board.
At the end of the day, whether intentional or not, Pare's hit had serious consequences for Laine, and fans believe it should have been addressed by the league. While Pare didn't mean to cause harm, some sort of repercussion would have been a step towards accountability, especially with Laine's health on the line.
