Leo Komarov remains a fairly well-known name to many NHL fans, despite the fact that he hasn't played in the league since the 2021-22 season (and that was only one game). The man affectionately known as 'Uncle Leo' has landed himself a suspension in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) after continuing to punch a downed opponent during a playoff game.
In the third game of the quarter final SHL playoff series, Lulea's Komarov and Vaxjo's Glenn Gustafsson were involved in some rough stuff after a whistle. Gustafsson went down to his knees during the skirmish, while Komarov continues to take swings, hitting Gustafsson several times. Check it out:
The SHL has since suspended Komarov for two games citing the following reasons:
- "There were several blows, one of which hit the head of the opponent when he was in a defenceless position."
- "The blow resulted in a risk of injury, which Leo Komarov must have realized."
- "It is a case of recidivism." (in simpler terms, Komarov is a repeat offender)
For his part, Komarov doesn't agree with the suspension at all.
"This is, after all, playoff hockey with the extra commitment it entails," said Komarov. "Therefore, I was surprised when I was initially given a match penalty and then reported to the disciplinary committee, as I did nothing other than perhaps being more intense than my opponent."
He's certainly not wrong on the intensity part, something Komarov has never lacked. Regardless, he'll spend the next two games on the sidelines, and has been ordered to pay a fine the equivalent of just under $3000 USD.
