The National Hockey League’s Department of Player Safety announced today that New Jersey Devils defenseman Brendan Smith and Tampa Bay Lightning forward Austin Watson have each received fines for their actions during Thursday’s games.
Smith was fined $2,864.58, the maximum allowable under the collective bargaining agreement for a dangerous trip on Seattle Kraken forward Devin Shore. The incident occurred at 8:17 of the third period. He was assessed a minor penalty for tripping. The Mimico, Ontario native has two assists and 34 penalty minutes in 22 games with the Devils this season.
This is not the first time this season, let alone this month, that Smith has had a call from DOPS. He had just returned to the lineup following a two-game suspension for slashing Philadelphia Flyers forward Travis Konency, the suspension cost him $11,458. Smith was also fined while he was with the Carolina Hurricanes during the 2021-22 season.
Meanwhile, Watson was fined $2,022.57, the maximum allowable under the CBA, for unsportsmanlike conduct after taking a slapshot directly at Nashville Predators defenseman Jeremy Lauzon near the closing seconds of the game. Watson received an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and a 10-minute misconduct.
Much like Smith, Watson is no stranger to DOPS. He was fined and suspended during both the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons for separate altercations. Watson signed a professional tryout contract with the Lightning this summer and inked a deal shortly after preseason. The 31-year-old has one goal and 60 penalty minutes in 15 games this season.
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