Edmonton Oilers forward Alex Chiasson has been suspended for one game following his cross-check on Jimmy Vesey on Monday night. The NHL’s Department for Player Safety announced the suspension today via Twitter.
Edmonton’s Alex Chiasson has been suspended for one game for Cross-checking Toronto’s Jimmy Vesey. https://t.co/EU3N6sbCo9
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) March 2, 2021
Alex Chiasson Suspended For One Game
Alex Chiasson cross-checked Toronto Maple Leafs forward, Jimmy Vesey at the final horn during Edmonton’s 3-0 loss on Monday. The two players came together as the third period ended and Chiasson aggressively shoved his stick into Vesey’s throat. Chiasson was assessed a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct for his violent outburst at the time.
Following a hearing today with the Oilers bottom-six winger, the Department for Player Safety has sanctioned Chiasson with a one-game suspension. During the video review of the incident, the department explains that the check was not a hockey play and it came after the game had finished; these two facts alone are what warranted ‘supplemental discipline’. Chiasson escapes a longer suspension due to the fact that it is the first time in his career that he has had to attend a Player Safety hearing.
The cross-check doesn’t seem to have injured Vesey, who should play Toronto’s next game.
What This Means Going Forward
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This is the fourth player-suspension of the 2020-21 season. Previously, Sammy Blais, Johan Larsson and Kevin Fiala were all assessed game-suspensions for transgressions ranging from boarding to illegal checks. The conversation regarding player safety continues to simmer in the background, particularly amongst hockey fans. There are plenty in the game that believe more plays in the NHL warrant suspensions. The movement is undoubtedly in conjunction with the sporting community becoming more cognizant of the long-lasting effects of illegal hits. The greatest concern surrounds head injuries, which lead to concussions.
Alex Chiasson has four goals from 19 shots this season. He has enjoyed success on the powerplay too, albeit in a minor role behind the Oilers’ first-rate firepower. Edmonton will be without Chiasson on Thursday, March 4th when they take on the Maple Leafs for the third consecutive time. Edmonton is currently third in the North Division based on points percentage (.583).
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