Why is David Perron suspended?

Detroit Red Wings forward David Perron found himself in hot water with the NHL, leading to a six-game suspension following an incident during a game against the Ottawa Senators on December 9, 2023.

The suspension stemmed from Perron’s cross-check on Ottawa defenseman Artem Zub, which occurred in the aftermath of a hit on Dylan Larkin. The hit on Larkin, delivered by Ottawa’s Mathieu Joseph, left the Detroit captain motionless on the ice, prompting Perron’s actions.

In the first period of the game, Perron cross-checked Zub, who was standing next to the prone Larkin, leading to a match penalty for intent to injure. The NHL, in justifying the severity of the penalty, emphasized that Perron had sufficient time to engage with Zub differently.

The league’s statement highlighted the intentional nature of Perron’s actions, characterizing it as a purposeful strike with a stick aimed at exacting retribution on an opponent. The NHL clarified that this incident did not involve a typical hockey play or a mutual jousting situation but rather an intentional and retaliatory act.

As a consequence of the suspension, Perron is set to forfeit $148,437.48 based on the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and his average annual salary. The funds from the forfeiture will be directed to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund, a mechanism designed to support players in need.