Nazem Kadri suspended for the rest of the first round for his crosscheck on Jake DeBrusk

The league has spoken, dishing out Nazem Kadri's punishment for his crosscheck to the head of Jake DeBrusk.

The NHL named a number of factors that led to their decision:

• Kadri’s stick didn’t ride up, it wasn’t an accident and it wasn’t a hockey play.
• Kadri retaliated against DeBrusk for the hit on Patrick Marleau and “used his stick as a weapon.”
• Players aren’t allowed to brazenly ignore rules because they think their actions are justified.

The league also noted that Kadri has “an extensive disciplinary track record,” which played a role. The league also said that Kadri did almost the exact same thing before to Luke Glendening of the Red Wings.

What’s interesting is that the suspension could vary wildly: he could get just 3 games if either the Bruins or Leafs win three in a row, or could get 5 if the series goes the distance.

It seems clear that the goal here was to prevent Kadri from playing against the Bruins again this season, whether it’s to protect him from the Bruins or to protect the Bruins from him.

What do you think? Too harsh? Not enough?

Have your say!