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Toronto Maple Leafs Forward Joffrey Lupul Fined $10,000 for Cross-Checking

By Tasha St. Pierre

Jan 1, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; (EDITORS NOTE: caption correction) Detroit Red Wings right wing Daniel Alfredsson (11) scores a goal past Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Joffrey Lupul (19) and goalie Jonathan Bernier in the second period during the 2014 Winter Classic hockey game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; (EDITORS NOTE: caption correction) Detroit Red Wings right wing Daniel Alfredsson (11) scores a goal past Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Joffrey Lupul (19) and goalie Jonathan Bernier in the second period during the 2014 Winter Classic hockey game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; (EDITORS NOTE: caption correction) Detroit Red Wings right wing Daniel Alfredsson (11) scores a goal past Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Joffrey Lupul (19) and goalie Jonathan Bernier in the second period during the 2014 Winter Classic hockey game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; (EDITORS NOTE: caption correction) Detroit Red Wings right wing Daniel Alfredsson (11) scores a goal past Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Joffrey Lupul (19) and goalie Jonathan Bernier in the second period during the 2014 Winter Classic hockey game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

According to NHL.com, Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Joffrey Lupul has been fined $10,000 for Cross-Checking by the National Hockey League Department of Player Safety.

This may come as a shock to many fans around the National Hockey League, especially if you are a fan of the Detroit Red Wings. According to the report, this is the maximum amount that could be assessed under the terms of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement.

The money from the fine will benefit the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

As we told you before, the incident occurred on New Year’s Day at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan, as the Toronto Maple Leafs went head-to-head with the Detroit Red Wings at the 2014 Bridgestone Winter Classic.

Just before the 11 minute mark in the first period, Lupul was hit by Red Wings defenseman Jakub Kindl. This hit sent Lupul tumbling to the ice. As soon as he was able to reach his feet, he immediately targeted right wing Patrick Eaves, sending his stick right across Eaves’ neck.

Eaves was not able to return to the game. Fortunately, Eaves did not suffer any broken bones. He was however evaluated for a possible concussion.

Just in case you haven’t seen what all the fuss is about, here is a look at the situation as it went down.

As most of you already know, this is not the first time that Lupul has faced a hearing for similar charges. In fact, it seems to be becoming a sort of pattern with Lupul. Quite honestly, I am surprised that he was not handed a minimum of a 5 game suspension solely based on the injury to the other player in conjunction with his prior suspension.

I guess this is why I don’t work for the NHL Department of Player Safety.

However, these kinds of incidents have almost taken center stage this season. An abnormally high amount of suspensions have been handed out in the name of protecting the players this season. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem to be making any progress in stopping it from happening again.

The NHL is going to have to put their foot down soon and make an example out of someone before a player winds up with a career ending injury, or something even worse.

What do you think about Lupul’s $10,000 fine? Do you think he got off entirely too easy, or do you think the NHL made their point? Let us know what you think in the comments.

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