Former NHL Player Gets Massive Suspension For Kicking Player In The Throat

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Austin Sabourin
December 18, 2023 (9:47 PM)

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In case you weren't tuned in earlier today, there's some breaking news involving former NHL player Martin Frk. He's facing a five-game suspension in the Swiss National League for executing what's being deemed a "high skate" on former NHL defenseman Lawrencce Pilut.

Check out the controversial play right here, as captured by TSN:

Absolutely mind-blowing!

To me, it appears entirely intentional, yet Frk only walks away with a five-game suspension! What on earth?!?!

Some are arguing that a lifetime ban is warranted for such a blatant attempt to injure. Honestly, there are voices suggesting that law enforcement should step in when it's crystal clear that the intent is to cause catastrophic injury.

Martin Frk, formerly of the Detroit Red Wings, is under scrutiny for a reckless move resulting in a high skate to Lawerence Pilut's neck area. Calls for a lifetime ban on the player are resonating.

This incident unfolded during a Swiss National League matchup between Lausanne and Rapperswil-Jona last week. In the pursuit of puck possession, both Frk and Pilut engaged in a tussle.

As chaos ensued, with Frk getting entangled near Rapperswil-Jona's bench, Pilut reportedly took a skate to the face, just above the chin, courtesy of Frk's actions.

Thankfully, Pilut escaped serious injury. Initially slapped with a one-game suspension pending investigation, Frk now faces a five-game ban and a 7,600 Swiss francs ($8,744) fine, all because it's believed he intentionally kicked Pilut.

Despite not gracing the NHL since the 2021-22 season with the Los Angeles Kings, the 30-year-old Frk has been navigating this season in the Swiss National League, contributing four goals and eight points in 18 games across two teams. His NHL career, spanning 124 games, saw him net 20 goals and 41 points with the Kings, Detroit Red Wings, and Carolina Hurricanes. Noteworthy AHL success marked his North American stint, notably in the 2021-22 season, where he racked up an impressive 40 goals and 73 points in just 58 games for the Kings' AHL affiliate Ontario Reign.