Why Ducks’ Drew Helleson won’t be suspended for hit on Flames’ Connor Zary

A scary incident that occurred on Tuesday night has left many up in arms on what the NHL should do.

In a game between the Anaheim Ducks and Calgary Flames, Ducks defenseman Drew Helleson was assessed a five-minute major penalty for kneeing Flames forward Connor Zary. The hit left Zary riving in pain on the ice, as it was clear that his left leg was bent in an uncomfortable manner.

The Saskatoon native left the game and didn’t return.

It has led to many calling for Helleson to be suspended for the hit, especially since it can be expected that Zary will miss a hefty amount of time. Yet, the NHL Department of Player Safety is not making any motion to provide supplemental discipline for the incident.

On Wednesday’s edition of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Frank Seravalli and Tyler Yaremchuk discuss why the league will not suspend Helleson for the hit on Zary.

Frank Seravalli: I do agree it was worth the major [penalty], and I also agree that it’s not going to be a suspension…If you watch Helleson all the way in [to make the hit], he doesn’t change his position at all. So, that’s a normal body check position. Unfortunately for Zary, the leg is just dangling as he tries to side-step him. I think a really unfortunate sequence, and I know the Flames are probably upset watching this. You start to see Zary moving to the right as he tries to get around him, but look at Helleson–his body, his core, everything about him, it doesn’t change.

Proper angle and proper positioning for Helleson, just an unfortunate result. So, no supplemental discipline coming….the only thing [the Flames] have been able to rule out for Zary is that he doesn’t have a fracture.

You can watch the full segment and entire episode here…