NHL Suspends Wild's Hartman: 10-Game Ban Explained

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Post on Feb 05, 2025

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NHL Suspends Wild's Marcus Foligno: 10-Game Ban Explained

The NHL dropped a bombshell on Tuesday, suspending Minnesota Wild forward Marcus Foligno for 10 games due to an illegal check to the head of Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar. The incident, which occurred during a heated game on October 26th, sparked immediate controversy and has now resulted in a significant penalty for Foligno. This decision highlights the NHL's commitment to player safety and its zero-tolerance policy towards dangerous hits. But what exactly happened, and why the 10-game suspension? Let's break it down.

The Incident: Foligno's Illegal Check on Makar

The play in question saw Foligno deliver a forceful check to Makar's head, leaving the Avalanche star visibly shaken and requiring immediate medical attention. While Foligno maintained it wasn't intentional, the NHL's Department of Player Safety (DPS) reviewed the incident extensively, using slow-motion replays and various angles to determine the severity of the hit. They ultimately deemed the contact to be illegal and worthy of significant supplemental discipline. The video evidence played a crucial role in the decision-making process, leaving little room for ambiguity.

• Key factors considered by the DPS:
  • The speed and force of the check.
  • The lack of attempt by Foligno to avoid contact to the head.
  • The resulting injury to Makar.
  • Foligno's history of disciplinary actions. (While not the primary factor, past infractions can influence the severity of a punishment).

The 10-Game Suspension: A Detailed Explanation

The NHL's 10-game suspension for Marcus Foligno is a substantial penalty, reflecting the league's serious view of such plays. The DPS cited the following reasons for the length of the ban:

• Severity of the hit: The check was deemed a forceful blow directly to the head, posing significant risk of injury.
• Player safety: The NHL prioritizes player safety above all else, and this ruling underscores that commitment. The suspension serves as a deterrent to similar actions by other players.
• Deterrence: The significant length of the suspension aims to deter similar illegal hits and promote safer gameplay.

The suspension will cost Foligno a considerable amount of salary and will impact the Wild's performance during a crucial part of the season. He will be ineligible to play for 10 games, and the team will need to adjust their lineup accordingly. This incident serves as a reminder that even veteran players can face serious consequences for illegal hits.

Implications for the Minnesota Wild and the NHL

Foligno's suspension presents a significant challenge for the Wild, forcing them to adjust their roster and potentially impacting their playoff chances. The team will have to rely on their depth and other players will need to step up to fill the void left by their key forward. The NHL's decisive action also sends a clear message to all players: dangerous hits will not be tolerated.

This event underscores the league’s continued efforts to reduce head injuries and promote safer play. The suspension serves as a potent reminder of the consequences of illegal checks and will undoubtedly be discussed extensively throughout the hockey world. It also initiates a conversation about improving player awareness and reducing the risk of dangerous hits in the future.

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