Simon Fearn-Imagn Images

NHL's Decision on Andrei Svechnikov Hit Draws Criticism From Filip Hronek's Agent

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ankit Kumar | Last updated Nov 15, 2025 5:29 PM ET

The NHL’s decision not to discipline Andrei Svechnikov for his hit on Filip Hronek has sparked strong backlash, especially from Hronek’s agent, Allan Walsh.

Late in Friday’s game between the Vancouver Canucks and Carolina Hurricanes, Svechnikov’s elbow made contact with Hronek’s head. Hronek was removed by a concussion spotter and did not return.

On Saturday, NHL analyst Rick Dhaliwal reported that no fine or suspension would be issued. He explained that Hronek’s movement while playing the puck “substantially contributed to the hit,” which factored into the league’s ruling.

But Walsh strongly disagreed, criticizing the Department of Player Safety.

"The Parros Kangaroos declare open season on players’ brains," Walsh said. "No penalty, no fine, no suspension. Nothing to see here. Reminder that Gary is the ONLY person in pro sports that denies a link between blows to the head and #CTE."

The Parros Kangaroos declare open season on players’ brains. No penalty, no fine, no suspension. Nothing to see here. Reminder that Gary is the ONLY person in pro sports that denies a link between blows to the head and #CTE. pic.twitter.com/7ykcMyLpjP
— Allan Walsh (@walsha) November 15, 2025

Walsh clearly accused the league of downplaying the link between repeated head impacts and long-term health issues. Parros refers to George Parros, who is head of the NHL's Department of Player Safety.

The hit overshadowed what was an intense 4-3 overtime win for Carolina. Sebastian Aho scored the game-winner with 31 seconds left in overtime. Svechnikov had two goals and an assist in the win, while Elias Pettersson scored a short-handed goal and added an assist for Vancouver. The Canucks pushed back several times but could not close it out.

Carolina Hurricanes right wing Andrei Svechnikov (37) celebrates his goal against the Vancouver Canucks during the first period at Lenovo Center.James Guillory-Imagn Images

Still, attention remains on Hronek’s health and the NHL’s ruling. Some fans on X questioned the hit and the league's silence.

"I'm worried about the kind of culture this is creating with so many deliberately missed calls for similar plays. What is it telling players is allowable?" a fan questioned.

"Absolutely baffling. This seems clear cut. Like the kick in yesterday. What in the world are they smoking," another fan pointed.

"It's rare to see a more obviously intentional elbow to the head. Absolutely shocking there's no discipline for this. Although also not really that shocking, I guess," one fan reacted.

With no discipline coming, frustration continues to grow among fans, agents and player advocates who want stronger protection for players involved in dangerous head contact.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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