Adrian Kempe Fined $5,000 for Slew Foot on Connor McDavid in Kings-Oilers Matchup
Los Angeles Kings forward Adrian Kempe has been fined $5,000 for a slew foot on Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid during Monday night’s game, the NHL Player Safety department announced Tuesday. This fine represents the maximum penalty allowable under the league’s collective bargaining agreement.
The Incident
The controversial moment occurred in the third period of Edmonton’s 1-0 victory over Los Angeles. As Kempe and McDavid battled for puck possession along the boards, Kempe used his stick to sweep between McDavid’s legs, causing the reigning Hart Trophy winner to fall. Despite the apparent nature of the play, no penalty was assessed at the time.
The NHL Player Safety department later reviewed the incident, deeming the slew foot a dangerous and unsportsmanlike act that warranted the financial penalty. The league shared its decision on social media:
“Los Angeles’ Adrian Kempe has been fined $5,000, the maximum allowable under the CBA, for slew-footing Edmonton’s Connor McDavid.”
While the Oilers secured a shutout victory, the lack of a penalty on the play raised questions about on-ice officiating consistency.
Player Stats and Team Standings
The Kings currently sit in third place in the Pacific Division with a 24-12-5 record, holding a four-point lead over the Calgary Flames for the division’s final playoff spot. The Oilers, bolstered by McDavid’s leadership, are pushing to maintain momentum in the competitive Pacific Division race.
Reactions
The fine sparked debate among fans and analysts alike. Some argued that the NHL’s decision to impose a fine but not suspend Kempe sent a mixed message about player safety, especially given the high-profile nature of the players involved. McDavid’s importance to the Oilers’ playoff hopes cannot be overstated, and any threat to his health due to dangerous plays like slew-footing is taken seriously by fans and the league alike.
On the other hand, some felt that Kempe’s actions were not malicious enough to warrant a harsher penalty and that the fine was an appropriate response.
Looking Ahead
As the Kings and Oilers continue their respective pushes for playoff spots, both teams will need to focus on avoiding distractions from incidents like this. For McDavid and the Oilers, the win was an important step in staying competitive in a tight Pacific Division race. For Kempe and the Kings, the fine serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining discipline on the ice, especially during critical games.
With the Kings and Oilers likely to cross paths again this season, fans will be watching closely to see if any lingering tension from this incident resurfaces. In the high-stakes world of the NHL, every game—and every decision—matters.
