The NHL's Department of Player Safety Announced a Six-Game Suspension for David Perron
The NHL's Department of Player Safety Announced a six-game suspension to Detroit Red Wings forward David Perron for his cross-check of Ottawa Senators defenseman Artem Zub.
Perron's blow to Zub came in an attempt at revenge for a blow dealt to Dylan Larkin, which in fact came not from Zub but from a combination of Mathieu Joseph and Parker Kelly. Fortunately, Zub was able to finish the game, despite being initially shaken up.
Meanwhile, Detroit placed Larkin on injured reserve today with the Red Wing captain expected to miss at least a week. Neither Kelly nor Joseph faced supplemental discipline.
Given the DPS' general lack of consistency, it's hard to weigh the appropriateness of any given suspension, but, given the nature of his cross-check, it's difficult to argue against Perron receiving a ban of some length.
With that said, it's difficult for Red Wing fans to accept that it was their player who was knocked unconscious on the ice, without any disciplinary action against the offending parties.
Perron will have the option to appeal his suspension, first to commissioner Gary Bettman, then (if Bettman upholds the ban), to a neutral arbitrator.
Dec 7, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Red Wings left wing David Perron (57) and defenseman Jake Walman (96) looks on during a face off at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bradshaw Sevald-USA TODAY Sports