NHL Fines Phillip Danault for Slash on Ross Colton: Kings Dodge Suspension

In a recent announcement by the NHL Department of Player Safety, Los Angeles Kings forward Phillip Danault found himself $5,000 lighter in the wallet due to a slash on Colorado Avalanche’s forward Ross Colton. This fine, the maximum amount allowed by the CBA, marks the second time Danault has been penalized with the same amount since joining the Kings. Last season, he incurred a similar fine for a slew foot on Tampa Bay Lightning’s Brayden Point.

While some might argue that a suspension for Danault would have been too harsh, considering his relatively clean history when it comes to disciplinary actions, the $5,000 fine seems like a fair response to his retaliatory two-handed chop.

Key Takeaways:

• Phillip Danault, Los Angeles Kings forward, has been fined $5,000 for a slash on Colorado Avalanche’s Ross Colton.
• This marks the second time Danault has received a $5,000 fine since joining the Kings, with a previous fine for a similar offense last season.
• The fine, rather than a suspension, appears to be a balanced decision given Danault’s limited history of disciplinary issues.

A notable point of contention arises from the fact that Avalanche fans may feel somewhat aggrieved by the lack of league action regarding Pierre-Luc Dubois. Dubois made contact with Fredrik Olofsson in a manner that appeared to be a knee-on-knee hit, although upon closer inspection, it could be interpreted as shin-on-shin contact. Nevertheless, the play was undeniably dangerous and could have warranted supplemental discipline from the league.

For the Kings, this outcome will likely be met with a sigh of relief, especially by general manager Rob Blake. The prospect of losing key players to suspensions would be detrimental, especially given their current cap situation. As they strive to maintain their competitive edge in the NHL, the Kings can ill afford to have more players sidelined due to disciplinary issues.

In conclusion, while Phillip Danault’s $5,000 fine may seem like a significant sum, it serves as a reminder that the NHL is committed to maintaining the safety and integrity of the game. It’s a delicate balance between penalizing players for infractions and ensuring that the punishment fits the crime. For the Kings, avoiding suspensions is crucial as they navigate a challenging season ahead.