The commentary discusses the repeated controversies surrounding the NHL's Department of Player Safety, particularly focusing on George Parros, who has been in charge for over nine years. Recently, he issued a five-game suspension to Auston Matthews, the Toronto superstar and U.S. Olympic captain, after an incident with Anaheim's Radko Gudas. This incident has raised questions about the consistency and adequacy of the NHL's disciplinary actions, especially in regards to protecting star players when violent plays occur.

The article highlights that Gudas, while not known for long suspensions, has a history of infractions, with four suspensions from 2015 to 2019. The decision to impose such a relatively minor penalty, in light of Gudas's past behavior and the serious nature of the incident against Matthews, underlines the perceived inconsistency in how penalties are applied in the league. This inconsistency puts a spotlight on the need for more stringent measures to ensure player safety and maintain the integrity of the game.

Additionally, the author raises critical questions about Parros's prolonged tenure in his role, suggesting that it may be time for fresh leadership in the Department of Player Safety. With mounting evidence that current disciplinary measures might not be effective in deterring dangerous plays, there are calls for the NHL to better protect its high-profile players and re-evaluate the effectiveness of its disciplinary strategies.