Two Lightning Players Heading to NHL Player Safety Hearings
Two members of the Tampa Bay Lightning—defenseman J.J. Moser and forward Scott Sabourin—will each have a hearing with the NHL Department of Player Safety on Monday. The proceedings stem from incidents in the Lightning’s preseason game against the Florida Panthers, raising questions about supplemental discipline ahead of the regular season.
What Happened in Sunrise
The events leading to the hearings occurred in Sunrise, Florida, during a 7-0 preseason loss to the Panthers at Amerant Bank Arena. Sabourin’s actions drew a match penalty at 2:18 of the first period, with Ekblad leaving the ice and not returning to the game. The incident was reviewed as roughing, and Sabourin is facing discipline for that strike in the Department of Player Safety’s considerations.
Meanwhile, Moser was involved in a separate play that resulted in a major penalty for boarding and a game misconduct at 13:58 of the opening frame. The league noted that Boqvist was not injured on the boarding play. Both cases are being evaluated under the league’s supplemental discipline framework, with options ranging from fines to suspensions depending on the review outcome.
Grounds Under Review
The Department of Player Safety announced that the grounds being considered for these actions are boarding for Moser and roughing for Sabourin. It’s common for the league to assess whether an incident warranted additional punishment beyond on-ice penalties, particularly when a player leaves the game or when an act is deemed potentially dangerous. The exact infraction codes can be adjusted after a full review, as the department retains the right to modify or clarify the discipline if needed.
Context and Preseason Implications
While preseason games carry less weight than regular-season matchups, the league uses such opportunities to evaluate players and establish a tone for the season. For the Lightning, the focus will be on accountability and safety as they prepare for the grind of the upcoming campaign. For Panthers fans, the takeaway may center on how their team’s rivals respond to physical play and whether any sanctions are imposed that could impact lineup decisions early in the year.
What to Expect Next
As the hearings approach, both Moser and Sabourin will have the chance to present their cases and provide any context or mitigating factors behind the incidents. The NHL Department of Player Safety has a structured process for hearings, including the opportunity for players to accept reduced discipline through a settlement or to proceed to a formal decision after review. The results could influence early-season roster composition and the availability of these players for upcoming games.
Broader Impact on the Lightning
Disciplinary outcomes in the preseason can ripple into the regular season, particularly if suspensions or fines are assessed. The Lightning must balance competitive needs with safety and compliance standards as they look to build momentum after a tough preseason showing. Fans and analysts will be watching to see how the team adapts and whether any lineup changes arise in anticipation of the hearings’ conclusions.
