The NHL’s Department of Player Safety has hit two players with fines for slashing. Minnesota Wild defenseman Matt Dumba and Vancouver Canucks forward Antoine Roussel have each been fined $5000.
Dumba’s $5000 fine came after he slashed Vegas Golden Knights forward Ryan Reaves on Tuesday, February 11. Dumba’s slash came in retaliation for a hard hit into the boards by Reaves earlier in the shift.
The exchange happened at 8:31 of the first period. Reaves was not penalized for the hit. Dumba was not penalized for the slash.
Roussel picked up his $5000 fine for slashing Nashville Predators blueliner Yannick Weber when the two teams met in Vancouver on February 10.
#ICYMI here was the slash by #Canucks Antoine Roussel on #Preds Yannick Weber pic.twitter.com/Dt6O07uSaV
— Here’s Your Replay ⬇️ (@HeresYourReplay) February 11, 2020
Roussel was given a minor penalty for slashing on the play by referees Kevin Pollock and Garrett Rank, along with a minor for cross-checking and a 10-minute misconduct. The penalties came with 1:46 remaining in an eventual 6-2 Canucks win.
Both players’ fines are the maximum allowable under the league’s CBA without a hearing. Thanks to some illegal stickwork from Dumba and Roussel, the NHL Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund is $10,000 richer.
