Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon avoids supplementary discipline for striking linesman with stick

Though it was reported earlier that Nathan MacKinnon would receive no discipline for striking the linesman in yesterday’s game with his stick, the league confirmed it with an explanation Tuesday.

The safety of our on-ice officials is, and has always been, of paramount importance to us. In this regard, we have always exercised a zero tolerance policy when it comes to any form of abuse of our officials. Last night, one of our officials was struck by a player with his stick immediately after a face-off. We immediately investigated the incident and, having conferred with the on-ice officiating crew and the NHL Officials’ Association, it has been determined that the player’s intention was not to strike the official but, rather, to initiate contact with the opposing player. Given this conclusion, it has been determined that no further discipline is necessary. This decision should in no way be seen as a diminution of our steadfast conviction to protect our officials. 

After losing a faceoff to Tomas Nosek of the Boston Bruins, MacKinnon appeared to slash the linesman while Nosek skated out of his reach. The Colorado Avalanche will avoid losing their top forward to suspension, while the 26-year-old won’t have to give up any of his salary or miss any games.

This event conjured memories of Antoine Vermette’s 10-game suspension in 2017 when he also slashed the linesman moments after a lost faceoff. In that case, Vermette himself confirmed that he deserved a suspension for his actions, admitting that while he was only “trying to get his attention” he did purposely make contact with the official. That is not the case here, where all involved appear to believe that MacKinnon was trying to hit Nosek, not the official.