The 2025 National Hockey League (NHL) season has been notably defined by an unusually high volume of disciplinary actions. The league has handed out a significant number of fines for in-game infractions and imposed lengthy suspensions for off-ice conduct, underscoring its commitment to player safety and professional standards. This wave of rulings has captured public attention, not only for its frequency but also for the wide range of individuals involved—from established star players to depth contributors and even non-playing staff.
A Month-by-Month Breakdown of NHL Penalties
Official rulings from the NHL's Department of Player Safety, in alignment with the Collective Bargaining Agreement, provide a clear picture of the season's disciplinary landscape. The penalties were meticulously examined and reported by sources including NHL.com and ESPN.
December 2025: A Flurry of Financial Penalties
The final month of 2025 saw several players fined for on-ice actions. On December 29, New York Islanders' forward Mathew Barzal was fined $5,000 for cutting an opponent. The day before, Tampa Bay Lightning's Scott Sabourin received a fine of $2,018.23 for hitting. Florida Panthers' Anton Lundell was also fined $5,000 on December 28 for high-sticking.
Earlier in December, the list expanded:
- Ross Johnston (Anaheim Ducks): $2,864.58 for roughing/fighting.
- Matt Grzelcyk (Chicago Blackhawks): $2,604.17 for cross-checking.
- Frank Vatrano (Anaheim Ducks): $5,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct.
November and October 2025: Stars and Coaches Face Scrutiny
In November, Detroit Red Wings defenseman Ben Chiarot was fined the maximum $5,000 for butt-ending. Dallas Stars' Mikko Rantanen was penalized $2,000 for diving/embellishment. Other notable fines included Brenden Dillon (New Jersey Devils, $5,000 for boarding) and Pittsburgh Penguins' star Evgeni Malkin ($5,000 for slashing).
October's disciplinary actions were equally varied:
- Jackson Blake (Carolina Hurricanes): $2,358.94 for slashing.
- Tyler Myers (Vancouver Canucks): $2,500 for tripping.
- Ian Cole (Utah Mammoth): $2,500 for slashing.
- Brad Marchand (Florida Panthers): $5,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct.
- Tampa Bay Lightning players Gage Goncalves ($3,125) and Roman Schmidt ($2,098.52) for cross-checking.
Most strikingly, Tampa Bay Lightning coach Jon Cooper was fined $25,000 for conduct during a preseason game, and the team itself was slapped with a massive $100,000 fine for the same incident.
Severe Off-Ice Conduct Suspensions Rock the League
Beyond in-game infractions, the NHL issued some of its most severe penalties for off-ice conduct. In a landmark ruling dated September 11, 2025, multiple players received suspensions:
- Carter Hart: An 18-game suspension and a financial forfeit of $395,833.33.
- Alex Formenton: A 31-game suspension.
- Dillon Dube, Cal Foote, and Michael McLeod also faced suspensions, though with no salary impact due to their contract status at the time.
What the 2025 Disciplinary Record Reveals
The NHL's 2025 disciplinary record highlights the league's nuanced approach. Penalties are tailored to the specific situation, the severity of the act, and the player's contract and financial standing. While each case is judged on its own merits, the collective action throughout the season signals the league's unwavering commitment to applying its standards uniformly across all levels of play—from fourth-line enforcers to franchise superstars and coaching staff.
This season serves as a potent reminder that the NHL's Department of Player Safety is actively enforcing rules to maintain the sport's integrity and protect its participants, both on and off the ice.
