Ron MacLean and Kevin Bieksa Shame the NHL For Recent Decision

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Dawson McKenzie
November 26, 2023 (4:10 PM)

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After the NHL handed out a meagre fine for Jacob Trouba's violent slash, Ron MacLean and Kevin Bieksa took their opportunity to call them out for the weak punishment.

Trouba Fined Maximum Allowable For Violent Slash on Frederic

During the matchup between the New York Rangers and the Boston Bruins, Rangers Captain Jacob Trouba violently slashed Trent Frederic of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Trouba took his stick from about hip height and swung it at Fredric, connecting directly with his head.

nah cuz ??? what? was this??? is trent good? i absolutely hated that

The dirty slash clearly needed supplemental punishment as it went uncalled during the game. The NHL's Player Safety division quickly handed him his punishment, a meagre $5,000 fine.

NY Rangers' Jacob Trouba has been fined $5,000, the maximum allowable under the CBA, for High-sticking Boston's Trent Frederic.

Laughable Fine By Player Safety on Trouba Was Immediately Called Out By Ron MacLean and Kevin Bieksa As Well As Fans

The fine was subject to much criticism as soon as it was announced, notably by Hockey Night in Canada's Ron MacLean and Kevin Bieksa. They had the following comments on the slash.

"That's unbelievable, how can that only be a $5,000 fine?" asked McLean during the broadcast.

"Jacob Trouba Fred Flintstone's Trent Frederic with a bit of a follow through," said Bieksa. "The Rangers won this game but we will probably be talking about the Trouba Fred Flintstone for a while."

Fans also took to social media to shame the NHL for its decision to hand Trouba a fine and not a suspension.

Clearly, the NHL Player Safety has not changed, as it has been subject to criticism for several years now for handing out inconsistent punishments.

As seen on Hockey Feed - "MacLean, Bieksa call out NHL's response to Trouba incident."