Jacob Trouba, the captain of the New York Rangers, has built a reputation throughout his NHL career for delivering hard hits. Despite having received multiple suspensions for dangerous plays, he has no intention of altering his style.
This was clear during a recent game against the Montreal Canadiens when, leading 5-2 in the third period, Trouba delivered a powerful hit to Canadiens forward Justin Barron near the boards. Barron, who was carrying the puck through the neutral zone, seemed unprepared for such a forceful impact and subsequently left the game and did not return.
The force of Trouba’s hit caused Barron’s head to snap back before hitting the ice. In response, Canadiens defenseman Mike Matheson immediately confronted Trouba to retaliate. Trouba received a five-minute penalty for fighting, while Matheson was given a similar penalty plus an extra two minutes for instigating, and he also received a 10-minute misconduct.
The officials ruled Trouba’s hit to be clean, as he was not penalized for it. However, there are calls for the NHL’s Department of Player Safety to review the hit. Trouba has a history of questionable hits, and this one appeared to involve contact to the head, resulting in Barron’s injury.
Even if the NHL decides not to suspend Trouba, many believe the hit was unnecessary at that point in the game—especially with the Rangers ahead by three goals en route to a 7-2 victory. While the play might not warrant a suspension, its timing raises questions about its necessity.
