Brad Marchand escapes ban for headshot to Canadiens' Mike Matheson
Florida Panthers forward Brad Marchand will not receive a suspension for his elbow on Montreal Canadiens defenceman Mike Matheson.
The hit occurred in overtime of Tuesday’s game. The Canadiens stormed back from a 2-0 deficit to
defeat the defending Stanley Cup champions 3-2
. Marchand was charged with a minor roughing penalty on the play, which led to Nick Suzuki scoring the game-winner on the power play.
Hopefully the Violent Gentleman George Parros doesn’t see this as a “hockey play”. Deserves more punishment than just a fine for Brad Marchand #Habs https://t.co/h1Sh4gdQuY
— Stu Cowan (@StuCowan1) December 31, 2025
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported earlier today Marchand will not have a hearing with the NHL’s department of player safety.
No hearing for Brad Marchand regarding OT roughing penalty on Mike Matheson
I admit I’m surprised, I thought there would be for the contact to the head.
My suspicions on why it won’t be a suspension:
*NHL felt it was a penalty on the ice, that’s it
*Marchand elbow low and…— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) December 31, 2025
“I admit I’m surprised, I thought there would be for the contact to the head,” Friedman posted on X. He also wrote that the NHL likely felt it was enough to call a penalty on the ice, Marchand’s elbow was “low and tucked” and that Matheson was also low to the ice.
Marchand will be able to play in the Winter Classic on Friday, when the Panthers host the New York Rangers at LoanDepot Park in Miami.
The Canadiens play their next game Thursday at 7 p.m. in Raleigh against the Carolina Hurricanes.
