NHL Department of Player Safety announces multi-game suspension for Rasmus Andersson

Last night, Flames' defenceman Rasmus Andersson thew a brutal hit out of clear frustration in the dying seconds of the game. In a vulnerable spot, Andersson stepped up to make a leaping check into the Blue Jackets' Patrik Laine, injuring him as the buzzer signalled the end of the game.

In what feels like rarely accurate discipline, the NHL Department of Player Safety has suspended Andersson for four games.


Player Safety came to this conclusion while taking the context of the hit into account, and assessed Andersson with charging, and causing injury. Already a longer suspension at four games, Andersson could've received more if he was a repeat offender.


Hopefully, this relatively harsh suspension will be more normal for the NHL, if the league wants to make serious deterrents for these kinds of hits.