Brendan Shanahan is entering his first full season as the NHL's Vice President of Hockey and Business Development and head disciplinarian. And while his job is one of power within the league, it is perhaps the most unenviable job the NHL has to offer these days.
The league is in the middle of a massive crackdown on headshots, and Shanahan is the one who has to enforce the new rules.
He has to walk the fine line of keeping the physical aspect of the game intact, but at the same time protect the players from concussions.
Shanahan has implemented a video system where he gives an explanation for his suspensions. Here is an example.
And while Shanahan has taken a lot of heat since taking his new job, I think the league is going in the right direction with these explanation videos.
As a longtime fan of the game, my biggest concern was seeing a legal body check warrant a suspension based on how hard of a hit it was. But after watching the Leafs and Senators battle it out on CBC the other night, I realized that Shanny and I are on the same page.
Ottawa Senators rookie Stephane De Costa cut across the blue line with his head down, and Dion Phaneuf drilled him with one of his signature hits that has made a name for himself in this league. Here is the hit.
There is no question that Phaneuf caught a piece of his head, as the helmet went flying off right after the hit. But the initial point of contact was at the chest level, and I commend Shanahan for not suspending Dion in this situation.
As for De Costa, he is a rookie who learned a valuable lesson, and he will think twice about doing that again especially with Phaneuf on the ice.
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