The NHL's Department of Player Safety has clarified its decision not to suspend Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Zach Whitecloud for a hit on Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies. The incident occurred during a game where Whitecloud's hit was reviewed but only resulted in a minor penalty.

Despite head contact, Player Safety determined that the hit was legal under Rule 48, as Knies's body absorbed the force rather than the head being the main point of contact. Leafs coach Craig Berube defended the hit's legality, emphasizing it as a part of the game.