A massive hit by Dylan Larkin on Chicago Blackhawks prospect AJ Spellacy on Wednesday night has sparked calls from fans for the suspension of the Red Wings captain.
The rivalry between the Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks has a long history, and it has flared up again in the preseason, with tensions already rising. In his first NHL game, top Blackhawks prospect AJ Spellacy aimed to make his mark by delivering a significant hit on Red Wings forward Lucas Raymond.
Following the hit, both Lucas Raymond and Dylan Larkin sought revenge against AJ Spellacy. Lucas Raymond started with a slash, and as the puck entered the zone, Dylan Larkin delivered a brutal elbow to Spellacy’s head.
The puck was far from the action, and Dylan Larkin clearly targeted AJ Spellacy for revenge following the earlier incident. Spellacy, a third-round pick for the Chicago Blackhawks in 2024, was experiencing his first taste of NHL action. Larkin intentionally went after Spellacy’s head well after the puck had left the area.
Even though it’s just preseason, it would be surprising if Dylan Larkin faced no disciplinary action. The NHL Department of Player Safety, led by George Parros, should find this an obvious decision. From all perspectives, this hit merits a suspension, and the league must prioritize player safety by taking a stand.
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