Adrian Kempe slew foot on Connor McDavid

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Kings winger Adrian Kempe fined $5,000 for slew-footing Connor McDavid on Monday
  • Many fans and media calling for suspensions rather than small fines for dangerous plays
  • Read below for full details on the incident and NHL’s disciplinary decision

LA winger Adrian Kempe escaped with a slap on the wrist for a dangerous play on Connor McDavid.

The NHL fined Kempe $5,000—the most allowed under the league’s collective bargaining agreement—for slew-footing the Edmonton Oilers captain during Monday’s game.

The incident, which wasn’t penalized in-game, happened late in the third period along the boards. Kempe swept McDavid’s legs out from under him, sending the superstar to the ice.

McDavid shook it off and finished the game, even netting the only goal in Edmonton’s 1-0 win.

This is yet another case of NHL discipline leaving fans scratching their heads. Many believe slew-footing, a dangerous move that can lead to serious injury, should trigger an automatic suspension. But instead of sitting out, Kempe will only pay a fine that amounts to pocket change for an NHL player.

Kings fans are breathing a sigh of relief, though. Kempe’s been a key player this season, leading the team with 20 goals and boasting a solid +20 rating. He’s also been a workhorse, averaging a career-high 19 minutes on the ice each game. Losing him to suspension would’ve hurt the Kings as they battle for playoff positioning.

For the Oilers, Monday’s win was huge. McDavid’s birthday goal locked up two crucial points as Edmonton looks to climb the Pacific Division standings. The Kings, meanwhile, remain third in the division but have now dropped two straight.

The NHL’s handling of star players will always be a hot topic. Fans and media quickly pounced on the lack of a suspension, with some pushing for fines based on salary percentage rather than a fixed amount. A $5,000 fine barely makes a dent for a player like Kempe.

The Kings are back in action Thursday against the Vancouver Canucks. But the conversation around NHL discipline and protecting star players isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.