Toronto Maple Leafs

Should the NHL Suspend Whitecloud for the Hit on Maple Leafs’ Knies?

Last night saw another dangerous hit during the Maple Leafs and Golden Knights game. Should the officials have called it differently?

by
Old Prof
November 21, 2024

Zach Whitecloud’s hit on Matthew Knies during the Toronto Maple Leafs’ 3-0 win over the Vegas Golden Knights has sparked heated debate. Did the hit warrant supplemental discipline, or was it an unfortunate but legal play?

The hit occurred midway through the second period, with Whitecloud appearing to make contact with Knies’ upper body. Knies left the game immediately and did not return for the Maple Leafs, raising concerns about a potential head injury.

Did Whitecloud Jump Into the Hit?

From one angle, it seemed Whitecloud made contact with Knies’ head, which could violate Rule 48 governing illegal checks to the head. However, after review, officials and the league concluded that the primary point of contact was the shoulder and chest, deeming head contact incidental. Whitecloud’s skates also appeared to leave the ice after the hit, though some argue this resulted from the collision rather than intent.

This decision left fans divided. Critics of the league’s response point to past inconsistencies in player safety rulings. Supporters, meanwhile, argue that the play’s ambiguity made it difficult to justify further punishment. In many ways, Ryan Reeves hit at the same ambiguities. And we know how that ended up.

The Bigger Picture Is About Player Safety

Regardless of the hit’s legality, the incident reignites questions about how the NHL enforces player safety. Suspensions and fines can sometimes feel arbitrary, with some hits penalized severely. In contrast, others—like Whitecloud’s—are dismissed. Funny how that works. One hit that looks similar results in a suspension for the hitter. Another hit doesn’t even draw a penalty. No wonder fans are confused.

But fans’ confusion is not the biggest issue. It’s the health of the on-ice “combatants.” Given what we know about concussions when a hockey player gets hit on the head, that’s worthy of some action by the NHL—incidental or not, on purpose or not. While it’s fair to analyze the mechanics of the play, the most pressing issue is Knies’ health and when he will return to the Maple Leafs.

Reports suggest he avoided a serious injury, which is the best outcome for the Maple Leafs and hockey fans.

Final Thoughts About the Officiating

The controversy underscores the NHL’s ongoing challenge to balance the game’s physicality with protecting its players. Fans might never agree on this particular hit, but one thing should unite them: a collective hope that Knies will return to full health soon.

Was the league right to let Whitecloud off without further discipline, or did they miss an opportunity to set a precedent? The play almost caused the referees to lose control of the game. It took several minutes and several shifts to get back to a normal, physical game. It could’ve gotten way out of control.