VANCOUVER — The National Hockey League has broken its silence following a heated on-ice incident involving Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes and Nashville Predators forward Kiefer Sherwood, a moment that drew widespread attention during the Canucks’ recent clash with the Predators.
Midway through the second period, tensions flared when Sherwood delivered a late and questionable hit on Hughes as the star defenseman was circling back into his own zone. The collision sent Hughes awkwardly into the boards, sparking an immediate response from Canucks teammates and drawing a chorus of boos from the Rogers Arena crowd.
While Hughes was able to continue playing and avoided injury, the hit drew scrutiny from players, fans, and analysts alike. Within 24 hours, the NHL’s Department of Player Safety issued an official statement condemning the hit, calling it “avoidable contact” and “an unnecessary escalation at a moment when the puck was clearly out of play.”
Though Sherwood avoided suspension, he received a $5,000 fine — the maximum allowable under the league’s collective bargaining agreement — for interference. The league emphasized that the decision factored in Hughes’ vulnerable position and the potential for serious injury, noting that Sherwood had no prior history of disciplinary issues.
The Canucks organization backed the NHL’s decision but voiced concern over the increasing number of high-risk hits their captain has faced this season.
“We appreciate the league taking this seriously,” said Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet. “Quinn is one of the most important players in the NHL, and we have to protect the stars of our game.”
Hughes, ever the professional, addressed the media calmly after the incident. “It’s hockey, it happens fast. I’m fine. We just move on and focus on the next one.”
Sherwood, meanwhile, defended his play but acknowledged the league’s ruling. “It wasn’t my intent to hurt anyone. I respect Quinn as a player. I’ll be more careful moving forward.”
With playoff races heating up and physicality on the rise, the NHL’s response is a clear signal that the league intends to keep a closer eye on hits that toe the line — especially when they involve marquee players like Hughes.
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