Is Zegras Suspension Enough for Red Wings?

Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras was suspended three games Monday for a head shot that knocked Detroit Red Wings center Michael Rasmussen out of Sunday’s game late in the second period.

The subjective NHL supplemental discipline process never plays out to unanimous approval, but based on social media posts, many Detroit fans are accepting of the penalty.

What bothers Detroit more is that the officials missed the Zegras act in real time. No penalty was called. Detroit, with the NHL’s hottest power play, didn’t get another chance with the man advantage. Officials just didn’t see the play.

Anaheim’s Trevor Zegras has been suspended for three games for interference against Detroit’s Michael Rasmussen. https://t.co/HziR0pQ04t

— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) February 24, 2025

Some social media posts wondered whether officials are ever disciplined for missed calls. (Referees are rated throughout the season and those ratings impact playoff assignments)

Officially, Zegras was suspended for interference, meaning it was delivered on a player who was not in possession of the puck. Rasmussen was hit after he had made a pass off the boards.

The league’s Department of Player Safety ruled the Zegras hit was made “outside the window when a check can be legally finished.”

Under the rules, players can finish a check started when the player had the puck. “This is not such a play,” the DOPS video explained.

Late Hit

The video shows Zegras made a few strides toward Rasmussen before making the hit. It is evident that he could have avoided the hit.

The DOPS explanation the fact the hit was to head, with force, contributed to the length of the suspension. In 245 NHL games, Zegras has never before been suspended. He was fined once.

After the suspension was announced, the Red Wings and Ducks completed a trade. Detroit shipped goalie Ville Husso to Anaheim for future considerations. The benefit for Detroit is that it clears more cap space. Plus, it fixes the crowded goaltending situation in Grand Rapids.

One fan joked that Anaheim taking the Husso contract is the “appropriate punishment” for the Zegras hit.

Seems like an appropriate punishment for the Zegras hit. I consider the matter now closed.

— Detroit Dave 🐅⚾️ (@DetroitDave1956) February 25, 2025