Dylan Larkin Calls Out Gary Bettman and The Department Of Player Safety

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Tyler Ball
December 19, 2023 (6:45 PM)

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Photo credit: Bally Sports Detroit

In a recent interview, Dylan Larkin called out Gary Bettman and the Department of Player Safety. His criticism comes after a scary play that Larkin found himself on the wrong end of.

A few weeks ago Dylan Larkin suffered a scary injury after he took a crosscheck to the neck against the Ottawa Senators. Due to the play, Larkin left the game and missed several subsequent games.

Larkin was hit on the play by both Parker Kelly and Mathieu Joseph. Neither player received discipline from the NHL for their role in the incident. Since returning Larkin has now commented on how he feels the situation was handled.

During his first media availability after returning Dylan Larkin spoke about the handling of the situation by Gary Bettman and the Department Of Player Safety.

"The last week in the league has been pretty eye-opening," Larkin said to Max Bultman of The Athletic.

"It's been kind of a trend - this last week has been a highlight for player safety," Larkin continued. "As a player, I'm obviously closely attached because I just went through something, but I've talked to guys on our team, guys from other teams, and it's hard to feel safe out there. It's hard to know how to protect yourself."

Larkin continues to talk about his situation specifically. He admits he is now concerned and wondering who is protecting the players in these situations.

"This instance, watching it back, I wasn't really doing anything," Larkin said. "I just was trying to make a play on the puck and just standing there, really. How do you protect yourself? Who's protecting you? There's a lot of (unanswered questions) in our sport right now."

This is a direct call out of George Parros and the NHL for their handling of questionable situations as of recent. It will be interesting to see if Larkin faces any fines or discipline himself for calling out the NHL and their Department Of Player Safety.

Previously on HouseOfHockey

Chicago Blackhawks Coach Fires Shots At Connor Bedard

Police Begin Investigation Into Player That Purposely Broke Refs Arm

Devils Goaltender Called For A Rare Penalty That Hasn't Been Called In 17 Years

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19 DECEMBRE \| 168 ANSWERS Dylan Larkin Calls Out Gary Bettman and The Department Of Player Safety Is the Department Of Player Safety doing enough to protect players?
Yes	25	14.9 %
No	143	85.1 %
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