Jamie Benn fined $2,600 for cross-checking Ryan Hartman in Stanley Cup Playoffs

8 articles · Updated · Fox News · Apr 29

The incident occurred during Game 5 between the Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild, with the Wild now leading the series 3-2.
Benn received only a fine, not a suspension, despite his prior playoff suspension in 2023 for a similar cross-checking offense.
Both Benn and Hartman were penalized during the game, and Benn's aggressive play has become a major storyline as Dallas faces elimination in Game 6 in St. Paul.

With his history, why does the NHL’s 'repeat offender' rule seem to fail in deterring Jamie Benn?

How can the league justify a minor fine when similar acts have resulted in multi-game suspensions?

Should the NHL adopt salary-based fines to create a real deterrent for its highest-paid players?

If owners and players resist long bans, who is truly responsible for protecting athletes from dangerous hits?

Could the NHL learn from the NFL's approach to protecting its star players from illegal hits?