The Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras has been handed a three-game suspension without pay for his late hit on Detroit Red Wings center Michael Rasmussen. The ruling, issued by the NHL's Department of Player Safety, followed a disciplinary hearing on Monday after the incident occurred during the Ducks’ 5-4 overtime loss on February 23, 2025, at the Little Caesars Arena.
The controversial hit, which took place at 17:17 of the second period, resulted in Rasmussen leaving the ice with an undisclosed injury. He did not return to the game, and Ducks head coach Todd McLellan confirmed Rasmussen would miss at least the next game against the Minnesota Wild. This incident has sparked considerable discussion among fans and analysts about the nature of hits and player safety regulations.
Despite the absence of any penalties called during the game, the league quickly launched its own review. The DoPS categorized the hit as “a late, high hit” and noted the significant head contact made during the play. According to their explanation, players who do not have possession of the puck are not eligible to be checked, making Zegras’s actions particularly concerning. “Contact is made outside the window where a check may be legally finished,” the league stated, emphasizing the importance of following the rules to maintain player safety.
Trevor Zegras, who is now 23 years old, has never faced suspension before, and this discipline marks the first of his young NHL career. Although he has been fined for slashing previously, his record was otherwise clean, making the suspension even more impactful for both him and the Ducks. Over his career, Zegras has scored 62 goals and added 108 assists across 245 games, providing him with notable influence on the ice as he maintains a scoring average of 0.69 points per game.
The incident has raised questions about whether the league is doing enough to enforce its player safety rules and the adequacy of discipline on hits deemed dangerous. The ruling to suspend Zegras for three games has had mixed reactions, with some applauding the swift accountability measures, ensuring player safety, and others voicing dissatisfaction over perceived inconsistencies within NHL discipline processes.
While some analysts note the first-time offense consideration prevented what could have been a longer suspension, they stress the need for stricter enforcement of rules governing player safety. “Had Zegras been a repeat offender, there is no question the length of the suspension would likely have increased significantly,” commented one sports analyst. “The league clearly established from this incident the seriousness with which they view head contact, particularly when it results from interference.”
This decision also brings to light the broader issue of player welfare and the NHL's commitment to addressing head injuries. The DoPS noted during the announcement, “The significant head contact on this play, combined with the force, warranted supplementary discipline.” Such incidences can lead to long-term effects for players, and the league is under pressure to implement strategies to mitigate these risks.
Overall, Zegras's suspension will undoubtedly impact the Anaheim Ducks moving forward. With his scoring ability and playmaking skills, his absence could hinder their performance as they continue the season. More significantly, it prompts the league to reinforce the standards of player conduct and safety to prevent similar incidents from happening again.
The Ducks will now look to navigate the challenges of competing without one of their key forwards, as they face off against the Wild, hoping to adjust and maintain their competitive edge. Meanwhile, players and coaches across the league will be closely monitoring the implications of this ruling on player behavior and safety enforcement moving forward.