Re:

J
to: Brendan Shanahan

09/02/2011

11 :27 AM

Cc: "Colin Campbell", "Gary Bettman"

the "feeder leagues" of college and European have already gone that route. its really only Canadian
hockey that's resisted

From:
To:

Brendan Shanahan/NYC/NHL
"Gary Bettman"

Date:
Subject:

"Bill Daly"

"Colin Campbell"

09/02/2011 11 :23 AM
Re:

We all know that we've talked about a time where we impose stiffer penalties for fighting so I wouldn't see
this so much as reactionary but more opportunistic that the timing is right to get the support to finally say
enough.
Regardless of what the specific reasons are that drove Wade to this, I think it simply goes back to
concussions and brain injuries. This specific role is also becoming more specialized and more
pressurized.
Some former enforcers have reached out to me and offered their support to us. They're all scared.
Fighting (like slashing) is NOT legal. There is a penalty. Unlike fighting however, teams don't employ
"slashers" for that simple role. We could work out the details but maybe it's time to propose increases the
penalty for fighting. If you fight, you get kicked out.
It's only a matter of time before the CHL and other feeder leagues do it. Let's be first. I believe it's the right
thing to do.

NHL0034241