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Elliotte Friedman Reveals the Real Reason Vegas' Nicolas Roy Escaped a Major Suspension

Originally posted on Blade of Steel
By Graham Montgomery | Last updated May 10, 2025 9:22 AM ET

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman revealed yesterday why Golden Nights forward Nicolas Roy avoided a suspension.

The NHL's Department of Player Safety surprised many yesterday when they Chose not to suspend Nicolas Roy for his cross check on Trent Fredric.

The Golden Knights center earned a hearing from the league for the play, but instead of a suspension, the DoPS elected to hand him a rather substantial fine instead.

Typically, when it is announced that a player has a hearing with the DoPS a suspension follows, it is practically a given.

Given that we are in the playoffs though, the level of offense required for a suspension is certainly higher, so it seems as though Roy escaped the fate by the skin of his teeth.

According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the DoPS determined that Roy did not have any intent to injure Frederic on the play, which is why he came away with a 7812 dollar fine instead of a suspension.

That being said, Roy did get a game misconduct for the penalty, so he effectively did get a suspension for at least part of a game in addition to the fine.

Given how bad the penalty looked though, many fans were anticipating that he would get at least one game.

Naturally, fans are not happy with the league's decision on this play.

Roy had 15 goals and 31 points in 71 games for the Knights in the regular season.

He has a goal and three points through eight games in the playoffs so far.

He figures to return to his role on the fourth line tomorrow night as the Knights look to get back in the series after falling behind two games to none.

This article first appeared on Blade of Steel and was syndicated with permission.

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