NHL Player Safety Punishes Leafs' Oliver Ekman-Larsson with Fine in Disciplinary Decision

In hockey, interference is defined as contact with an opponent who is not in possession of the puck that impedes the opponent's freedom of movement. After reviewing the play, the NHL Department of Player Safety determined that Ekman-Larsson's actions called for additional punishment. The fine was imposed as a result. He will continue to play in the upcoming games despite the fact that it is a huge penalty that does not include a suspension.

It demonstrates the league's genuine efforts to uphold fair play and prohibit players from making needless or hazardous physical contact with one another. The maximum fine allowed by the CBA for on-ice violations is $5,000, which is still relatively small in comparison to the monetary penalty imposed on the highly compensated NHL player. Instead, it serves as a warning and a threat for future infractions that could result in extended suspensions.