Every NHL Player Safety suspension from the 2017-18 season in one place

For a game as fast and intense as professional hockey, it can be difficult to enforce various rules to keep players safe. As a result, the NHL’s Department of Player Safety annually hands out loads of suspensions and fines to players who cross the line during games.

The current DOPS is ran by former NHL enforcer George Parros, who replaced Stéphane Quintal at the position before the start of the 2017-18 season. At the time of his hiring, he referred to his playing career as a reason why he was prepared to do the job effectively.

“What uniquely positions me for the job is that I played the game as physically as anybody and I never once was fined or suspended,” Parros said. “I know where that line is. I know how to protect my guys or intimidate but not injure or hurt.”

Since Parros took over in September, the DOPS has handed out 20 different suspensions covering 63 man games and over $1.4 million in forfeited salary, which goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund. The money helps former players and their families who are struggling financially.

Here’s a breakdown of each one in chronological order, and we’ll continue updating this list for the remainder of the season.

Offense: Interference on Blues forward Robert Thomas
Date of suspension: Sept. 23
Length of suspension: Two preseason games
Forfeited salary: n/a

Offense: Illegal check to the head of Devils forward Miles Wood
Date of suspension: Sept. 25
Length of suspension: Two preseason games
Forfeited salary: n/a

Offense: Boarding on Blues forward Samuel Blais
Date of suspension: Oct. 3
Length of suspension: Four games
Forfeited salary: $97,560.96

Offense: Boarding on Bruins forward Frank Vatrano
Date of suspension: Oct. 20
Length of suspension: one game
Forfeited salary: $18,817.20

Offense: Returning to ice after being escorted off by an official
Date of suspension: Nov. 16
Length of suspension: 10 games
Forfeited salary: $40,322.58

Offense: Unsportsmanlike conduct
Date of suspension: Nov. 18
Length of suspension: one game
Forfeited salary: $11,280.49

Offense: Slashing to Jets forward Mathieu Perreault
Date of suspension: Nov. 19
Length of suspension: 10 games
Forfeited salary: $408,536.59

Offense: Boarding on Avalanche forward Dominic Toninato
Date of suspension: Nov. 19
Length of suspension: two games
Forfeited salary: $11,827.96

Offense: Cross-checking Flames forward Matthew Tkachuk
Date of suspension: Nov. 27
Length of suspension: four games
Forfeited salary: $119,815.68

Offense: Boarding Bruins defenseman Torey Krug
Date of suspension: Nov. 30
Length of suspension: one game
Forfeited salary: $4,368.28

Offense: Slashing to Capitals defenseman Madison Bowey
Date of suspension: Dec. 5
Length of suspension: one game
Forfeited salary: $17,580.65

Offense: Unsportsmanlike conduct
Date of suspension: Dec. 7
Length of suspension: one game
Forfeited salary: $11,280.49

Offense: Boarding Lightning forward Vladislav Namestnikov
Date of suspension: Dec. 17
Length of suspension: two games
Forfeited salary: $64,516.12

Offense: Punching unsuspecting Avalanche defenseman Samuel Girard
Date of suspension: Dec. 27
Length of suspension: six games
Forfeited salary: $22,580.64

Offense: Illegal check to the head of Bruins forward Noel Acciari
Date of suspension: Dec. 28
Length of suspension: two games
Forfeited salary: $6,989.24

Offense: Interference to Kings defenseman Drew Doughty
Date of suspension: Jan. 3
Length of suspension: two games
Forfeited salary: $21,505.38

Offense: Interference to Kings forward Adrian Kempe
Date of suspension: Jan. 14
Length of suspension: two games
Forfeited salary: $32,258.06

Offense: Elbowing Devils forward Marcus Johansson
Date of suspension: Jan. 24
Length of suspension: five games
Forfeited salary: $373,475.60

Offense: Cross-checking Panthers forward Vincent Trocheck
Date of suspension: Feb. 2
Length of suspension: two games
Forfeited salary: $15,860.22

Offense: Interference to Rangers forward Jimmy Vesey
Date of suspension: Feb. 4
Length of suspension: three games
Forfeited salary: $96,774.19

Offense: Kneeing to Devils’ forward Taylor Hall
Date of suspension: Feb. 7
Length of suspension: Ten games
Forfeited salary: $134,408.60