Discipline: The pre-season story

Photo Credit:  The Globe and Mail

Many critics of the National Hockey League have constantly plagued the league as being too violent and far too lenient when it comes to disciplinary action.

Not the case anymore, it seems.

In his first full campaign as the NHL's disciplinarian, Brendan Shanahan has taken a more direct approach to the constant barrage of questionable hits that are seen in many NHL games.  Shanahan's approach has been a popular one for fans and media a like as he has put heavier suspensions down on players who choose to take liberties on the ice. 

The best examples of this tougher initiative are with Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman James Wisniewski and Detroit Red Wings defenseman Brendan Smith.  Both players receive major suspensions for blows to the head with 10 and 8 game suspensions respectively. 

Suspensions are nothing new to the hockey world, but the amount of suspensions that have been levied before the season has even begun is astonishing.  No executive in recent NHL history has had this type of attention this early into a new season as Shanahan has and most spectators are curious to see how these suspensions will play out as the season continues.

So, what will be the future of physical play in the NHL?  Will these type of hits be eliminated as time goes on?  Will physical play slowly fade out of the league?  Will Shanahan view fighting as the type of head blows that need to be removed?  Time will tell as interest rises.