The NHL’s latest decision has sent shockwaves through the hockey community, leaving fans and analysts alike questioning the league’s commitment to player safety.

After Ottawa Senators’ Nick Cousins delivered a brutal slash to Montreal Canadiens’ Ivan Demidov, the punishment handed down by Commissioner Gary Bettman was nothing short of controversial—a fine so minimal it’s sparked outrage and debate across social media and sports talk shows.

But what really happened on the ice that night, and why did the league choose such a light penalty for an act many consider dangerous and reckless?

As details emerge about the incident—and the NHL’s reasoning behind their ruling—fans are left wondering if the organization is truly serious about protecting its players, or if this marks a troubling new precedent for future disciplinary actions.

With emotions boiling over and rumors swirling about possible retaliation in the next matchup, the hockey world is watching closely.

Is this just the beginning of a much larger conversation about safety and accountability in the NHL? Dive into the full story to uncover the facts, the fallout, and what might come next for Cousins, Demidov, and the league itself.

Ottawa Senators' Nick cousins and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman

Photo credit: All Habs / NHL

The NHL announced that Nick Cousins of the Ottawa Senators has been fined only $2,148.44, the maximum allowed under the collective bargaining agreement.

The fine comes in response to his horrible slash against Ivan Demidov of the Montreal Canadiens.

Frankly, in my opinion, seeing such a dangerous slash receive such a weak sanction raises serious questions about player safety and the seriousness of disciplinary measures.

I would have preferred to see a suspension.

I sincerely believe that this type of action deserves much more than just a slap on the wrist.

Ottawa Senators’ Nick Cousins and Hayden Hodgson sanctioned after actions

For those who haven’t seen it, here is the action in question:

It’s up to you to judge whether this is worth more than $2,148.44.

As for me, I have no hesitation in saying that I find this amount absurd. By minimizing this type of incident, the NHL sends a troubling message to fans and to the young people who follow this sport.

The worst part of all this is the fact that this action was committed during a preseason game.

The NHL Player Safety have also fined Ottawa’s Hayden Hodgson for his for boarding Montreal’s Alex Newhook.

It makes you wonder if the NHL is waiting for a serious accident before reacting more firmly. We’ve seen players receive harsher sanctions for actions that were much less dangerous.

Luckily Habs fans can breathe as Elliotte Friedman reassures Demidov is doing just fine.

One thing is certain: if he is in the lineup this Saturday against the Habs, some of Montreal’s enforcers will give him something much worse than this fine.