The league announced Friday afternoon that Maple Leafs forward Joffrey Lupul will not be suspended for cross-checking Detroit’s Patrick Eaves in the head and neck area during the first period. Lupul will be fined $10,000 for his actions, though. That’s the most a player can be fined under the current collective bargaining agreement.
Lupul was given a minor penalty for cross-checking, and Eaves went back to the locker room after the play ended. Eaves did not return to the game and eventually had to have his jaw reset. He has a concussion history, but there were no signs of a concussion, and he’s not supposed to miss any time.
The lack of suspension is a little bit surprising, especially considering Lupul has a supplemental discipline history. He was suspended for two games last season for an illegal hit to the head of Tampa Bay’s Victor Hedman.
See the Lupul cross-check below.