Aggressive Linesman Promoted by the NHL
Dan Kelly gets Aggressive On-Ice with Michael Bunting.
During a game last season between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Tampa Bay Lightning, an incident unfolded involving linesman Dan Kelly and former Maple Leafs winger Michael Bunting.
In the heat of the moment, Kelly was trying to escort Bunting off the ice while Bunting continued to exchange words that didn't look to be compliments This situation escalated to the point where Kelly had forcefully pushed Bunting off the ice and into the tunnel. This obviously sparked a lot of controversy with Leafs fans and the hockey community in general.
Dan Kelly's History of Tormenting the Leafs
Kelly's previous history with the Maple Leafs even includes a 2016 suspension when, as a player and member of the New Jersey Devils, he was penalized for delivering a check to the head to then-Maple Leafs prospect Andreas Johnsson during the Calder Cup playoffs.
A Surprising Promotion for the Aggressive Linesman Dan Kelly
Surprisingly, the NHL has just now officially promoted Kelly, granting him a full-time officiating role starting this season. This move has left many questioning NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman's judgment and commitment to addressing such issues. The league's decision to elevate Kelly to this role raises concerns about its potential impact and whether it may become a source of embarrassment for the NHL.
As Read On Blade of Steel - "NHL Promotes Linesman Who Shoved a Player Last Season"
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 18 | 100 ANSWERS Aggressive Linesman Promoted by the NHL Do you think Dan Kelly deserves this promotion? | ||
| Yes | 41 | 41 % |
| No | 59 | 59 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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LIVE
APRIL 18, 2026
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| G | A | PTS | ||
| Matthew Boldy | 2 | 1 | 3 | |
| Kirill Kaprizov | 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| Mats Zuccarello | - | 3 | 3 | |
| Joel Eriksson Ek | 2 | - | 2 | |
| Taylor Hall | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Ryan Hartman | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Logan Stankoven | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Jackson Blake | - | 2 | 2 | |
| Jamie Drysdale | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Jason Robertson | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Denver Barkey | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Brock Faber | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Miro Heiskanen | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Quinn Hughes | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Wyatt Johnston | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Trevor Zegras | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Noel Acciari | - | - | - | |
| Sebastian Aho | - | - | - | |
| Mike Amadio | - | - | - | |
| Frederik Andersen | - | - | - | |
| COMPLETE STATS | ||||
| 2025-2026 NHL STANDINGS | ||||||
| GP | W | L | OL | PTS | ||
| Sabres | 82 | 50 | 23 | 9 | 109 | |
| Lightning | 82 | 50 | 26 | 6 | 106 | |
| Canadiens | 82 | 48 | 24 | 10 | 106 | |
| Bruins | 82 | 45 | 27 | 10 | 100 | |
| Senators | 82 | 44 | 27 | 11 | 99 | |
| Red Wings | 82 | 41 | 31 | 10 | 92 | |
| Panthers | 82 | 40 | 38 | 4 | 84 | |
| Maple Leafs | 82 | 32 | 36 | 14 | 78 | |
| GP | W | L | OL | PTS | ||
| Hurricanes | 82 | 53 | 22 | 7 | 113 | |
| Penguins | 82 | 41 | 25 | 16 | 98 | |
| Flyers | 82 | 43 | 27 | 12 | 98 | |
| Capitals | 82 | 43 | 30 | 9 | 95 | |
| Blue Jackets | 82 | 40 | 30 | 12 | 92 | |
| Islanders | 82 | 43 | 34 | 5 | 91 | |
| Devils | 82 | 42 | 37 | 3 | 87 | |
| Rangers | 82 | 34 | 39 | 9 | 77 | |
| GP | W | L | OL | PTS | ||
| Avalanche | 82 | 55 | 16 | 11 | 121 | |
| Stars | 82 | 50 | 20 | 12 | 112 | |
| Wild | 82 | 46 | 24 | 12 | 104 | |
| Mammoth | 82 | 43 | 33 | 6 | 92 | |
| Blues | 82 | 37 | 33 | 12 | 86 | |
| Predators | 82 | 38 | 34 | 10 | 86 | |
| Jets | 82 | 35 | 35 | 12 | 82 | |
| Blackhawks | 82 | 29 | 39 | 14 | 72 | |
| GP | W | L | OL | PTS | ||
| Golden Knights | 82 | 39 | 26 | 17 | 95 | |
| Oilers | 82 | 41 | 30 | 11 | 93 | |
| Ducks | 82 | 43 | 33 | 6 | 92 | |
| Kings | 82 | 35 | 27 | 20 | 90 | |
| Sharks | 82 | 39 | 35 | 8 | 86 | |
| Kraken | 82 | 34 | 37 | 11 | 79 | |
| Flames | 82 | 34 | 39 | 9 | 77 | |
| Canucks | 82 | 25 | 49 | 8 | 58 | |
COMPLETE STANDINGS | ||||||