The NHL’s Department of Player Safety has issued a fine of $2,148.44 to Detroit Red Wings forward Jonatan Berggren for cross-checking forward Connor Dewar during Toronto’s 4-2 loss on Saturday.
Detroit’s Jonatan Berggren has been fined $2,148.44, the maximum allowable under the CBA, for cross-checking Toronto’s Connor Dewar.
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) December 15, 2024
Dewar appeared to be struck in the head but remained in the game, while Berggren was assessed a two-minute penalty for the incident.
Maple Leafs fans have long scrutinized the NHL’s disciplinary system, and frustration reached a boiling point last year when defenseman Morgan Rielly was suspended for five games for his cross-check to the head of Ottawa Senators forward Ridly Greig.
This season, controversy persisted as Ryan Reaves was suspended for five games after a check to the head of Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse. Just days later, Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Zach Whitecloud delivered a hit on Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies that caused an injury but resulted in neither a penalty nor a fine.
The incident with Knies led the NHL’s Department of Player Safety to release a video reclarifying the rules around head contact. Yet, the response to Berggren’s fine suggests many fans still perceive inconsistency in the NHL’s approach to discipline.
This isn’t a new grievance for Maple Leafs supporters. Two years ago, Auston Matthews received a two-game suspension for cross-checking Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin in the head, further fueling the perception that Toronto players face stricter consequences compared to incidents involving other teams.
There was one incident last month where William Nylander cross checked Florida Panthers defenseman Nate Schmidt in the head. But after a review, it was clear that Nylander’s stick hit the arms of the Florida player and then rolled up.
One way or another, Leafs fans wouldn’t be satisfied with the result of the play claiming there is some sort of bias in the market.
Do you feel Berggren should have been suspended? Let us know in the comments.
