The NHL and the Department of Player Safety faced scrutiny over a contentious hit by New York Rangers enforcer Matt Rempe on Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman
Ilya Lyubushkin during a game. Lyubushkin suffered a head injury as a result of the hit, which occurred as he was playing the puck. The hit's severity, particularly because Rempe appeared to leave his feet, sparked debates over whether he should face suspension.