Was Red Wings forward David Perron’s 6-game suspension the right call by NHL? 

Will David Perron’s 6-game suspension and Dylan Larkin’s IL spot endanger the Detroit Red Wings 2024 Stanley Cup dream? As of now, the team is barely hanging onto the playoff spot as the Tampa Bay Lightning creeps closer to only a point.

Saturday’s game against the Ottawa Senators went downhill instantly after Dylan Larkin was taken for immediate medical attention. They not only lost their captain within the first period but also their forward player to a major 6-game suspension.

Larkin was stretched off the ice after hitting the ice face flat and remaining unconscious for a while. He has a history of concussions, and seeing him lay still on the cold floor delivered a deadly nightmare to everyone. Amidst the chaos of Larkin getting sandwiched by Sens players Mathieu Joseph and Parker Kelly, Perron decided to take revenge in his own way. 

Seeing their captain hit on ice, and laying still, Red Wings forward David Perron skated toward Artem Zub, cross-checking the defenceman as a result. Although Zub fell on the ice, he thankfully didn’t suffer any serious injury and even played for 20 more minutes on the ice.

Unfortunately, for Perron, he was called out by the NHL Player Safety and was handed down a major 6-game suspension along with $148,437.48 deducted from his salary. The money will go to the players’ emergency assistance fund.

David Perron’s agent Allan Walsh BLASTS NHL over suspension of forward for cross-checking Artem Zub on head

The team knew that there would be consequences for David Perron’s cross-checking on Artem Zub. However, Allan Walsh, the forward’s agent did not take this lightly. He took to social media, to blast NHL for handing down such harsh punishment. 

In the league’s defense, they explained that the 35-year-old had plenty of time to engage in a fight in a different manner, and he could’ve taken it another way. They said in Perron and Zub’s case, the latter did not know the stick was going to hit him, and he was defenseless. Perron’s act was not right, according to their call.

“This is an intentional strike with a stick made with the purpose of exacting retribution on an opponent.”

Allan Walsh on the other hand, found this explanation not satisfactory as he stated, “6 games is a farce!” Since Zub was not hurt gravely and even played the rest of his shift, Perron shouldn’t have been given such a harsh punishment. The Red Wings not only lost to Sens in 1-5 fashion but also lost two of their important players.

The hit at 13:50 during the first period was straight to Dylan Larkin’s head and neck which could have left serious consequences. Fortunately, the team updated that the scan results were good and no concussions were found. Unfortunately, though, the captain is placed on IL for an indefinite time. 

As the team hopes to keep their 2024 Stanley Cup dream alive, they are adamant about continuing to try their best, especially in the absence of their captain. It’ll be interesting to see what the team can do until Perron resumes his games following a 6-game suspension.

In case you missed:

• WATCH: Blues’ captain Brayden Schenn gets involved in a ‘dirty’ fight with Reese Johnson as the two throw vicious punches at each other on the ice

• WATCH: “He deserves suspension” – Evander Kane’s hit on Jonas Brodin sparks controversy intensifying player safety concerns, NHL fans reacts
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