NHL Player Safety confirms Jacob Trouba's suspension fate following massive hit on Justin Barron

The NHL has decided not to suspend or fine New York Rangers captain Jacob Trouba after his controversial hit on Montreal Canadiens defenseman Justin Barron.

During the Rangers dominant 7-2 win over the Canadiens Trouba delivered a hard questionable hit to Barron in the third period. As Barron carried the puck up the ice he tried to pass it before the collision but Trouba's full force check sent him sprawling. No penalty was called, but the hit immediately sparked debate over whether it was clean or dirty.

Barron appeared dazed after the hit & was forced to leave the game. His defense partner Mike Matheson quickly confronted Trouba in defense of Barron. Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis questioned whether the head was the main point of contact and criticized his team's poor first-period performance.

Trouba has a history of controversial hits but this one appeared to be more of a shoulder to chest collision rather than a direct shot to the head. Many see the hit as legal in the context of the game though it was still devastating for Barron who had his head down leaving him vulnerable.

Despite the heated discussion the NHL determined that the hit did not warrant further punishment allowing Trouba to avoid suspension.