Rangers fined $250K for statement ripping league, Parros
The New York Rangers have been fined $250,000 for their statement made in protest of the NHL's decision to not suspend Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson for his actions Monday, the league announced Thursday.
"Public comments of the nature issued by the Rangers that were personal in nature and demeaning of a league executive will not be tolerated," commissioner Gary Bettman said.
"While we don't expect our clubs to agree with every decision rendered by the Department of Player Safety, the extent to which the Rangers expressed their disagreement was unacceptable. It is terribly unfair to question George Parros' professionalism and dedication to his role and the Department of Player Safety."
New York called for Parros' removal as the NHL's lead disciplinarian Tuesday and said he's unfit for the position. Additionally, the club called Wilson's actions dangerous and reckless.
Head coach David Quinn and several Rangers players also expressed their disappointment in what they viewed as too light a punishment.
Wilson, who's been suspended five times in his career, only received a $5,000 fine for punching Pavel Buchnevich while he was in a defenseless position and slamming superstar Artemi Panarin to the ice during Monday's contest. Afterward, Panarin was ruled out for the rest of the season with an injury.
Tensions between the two clubs boiled over during their rematch Wednesday, as six fights occurred in the first period.