Ex-NHL Player Suspended For Deliberate Kick To Opponent's Neck

The controversial play, captured by TSN, has sparked outrage, with many questioning the intent behind Frk's actions and expressing disbelief at the relatively short suspension period.

Outraged reactions include comments like, Some even suggest a lifetime ban, with one person expressing the extreme view that law enforcement should be involved in cases where catastrophic injury is perceived as the intent.

Sportskeeda in Switzerland sheds light on the aftermath, describing how former Detroit Red Wings player Martin Frk is under scrutiny for his reckless play resulting in a high skate to Lawrence Pilut's neck area. Calls for a lifetime ban on Frk have intensified.

The incident unfolded during a Swiss National League matchup between Lausanne and Rapperswil-Jona. A tussle for puck possession between Frk and Pilut near the Rapperswil-Jona bench led to Frk allegedly hitting Pilut with a skate to the face, just above the chin.

Fortunately, Pilut escaped serious injury. Initially, Frk received a one-game suspension pending an investigation, but the disciplinary committee in Switzerland later imposed a five-game suspension along with a fine of 7,600 Swiss francs ($8,744), citing intentional kicking.

Martin Frk, a 30-year-old player who last played in the NHL during the 2021-22 season with the Los Angeles Kings, has split the current season between two Swiss National League teams, tallying four goals and eight points in 18 games. In his 124 NHL games, the Czech native recorded 20 goals and 41 points across stints with the Kings, Detroit Red Wings, and Carolina Hurricanes. His notable AHL success includes a standout 2021-22 season with the Ontario Reign, where he scored 40 goals and accumulated 73 points in just 58 games.