Canadiens' Dach Injured in Controversial Hit by Ducks' Viel

Inconsistent NHL disciplinary actions raise concerns about player safety and league oversight

Apr. 10, 2026 at 4:39am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, geometric painting depicting the violent collision of two hockey players, conveying the raw physicality and lack of clarity in the NHL's disciplinary process.A cubist interpretation of the dangerous high hit that sidelined a star NHL player, exposing the league's need for more consistent player safety policies.Anaheim Today

A recent incident in an NHL game between the Montreal Canadiens and Anaheim Ducks has sparked intense debate around player safety and the league's disciplinary measures. Montreal forward Kirby Dach sustained an upper-body injury after a high hit from Anaheim's winger Jeffrey Viel, raising questions about the lack of a penalty for the hit compared to a previous incident involving Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas. Experts argue the NHL needs to establish clearer guidelines and ensure consistent application of disciplinary actions to prioritize player well-being and maintain fan engagement.

Why it matters

The lack of consistency in NHL disciplinary actions, as seen in the contrasting responses to the hits on Dach and Auston Matthews, undermines player safety and creates confusion among players, teams, and fans. Establishing clearer guidelines and ensuring fair application of penalties is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the sport and fostering a safe environment for athletes.

The details

In the March 15, 2026 game, Montreal's Kirby Dach was injured after a high hit from Anaheim's Jeffrey Viel in the first period. The hit was severe enough to send Dach to the ice and eventually the dressing room. Just three days prior, Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas had ended Toronto captain Auston Matthews' season with a devastating knee-on-knee hit, resulting in a five-game suspension. However, Viel's similar action went unpunished, raising questions about the NHL's inconsistent disciplinary measures.

  • On March 15, 2026, the incident involving Kirby Dach and Jeffrey Viel occurred.
  • On March 12, 2026, Radko Gudas' hit on Auston Matthews resulted in a five-game suspension.

The players

Kirby Dach

A forward for the Montreal Canadiens who sustained an upper-body injury from a high hit by Anaheim's Jeffrey Viel.

Jeffrey Viel

A winger for the Anaheim Ducks who delivered the high hit on Kirby Dach that resulted in the Montreal player's injury.

Radko Gudas

A defenseman for the Anaheim Ducks who delivered a devastating knee-on-knee hit on Toronto's Auston Matthews, ending the captain's season.

Auston Matthews

The captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs who sustained a torn medial collateral ligament from Radko Gudas' hit, ending his season.

Montreal Canadiens

The NHL team that Kirby Dach plays for, which was impacted by his injury.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The NHL is expected to review the incident involving Kirby Dach and Jeffrey Viel and determine if any disciplinary action is warranted.

The takeaway

The inconsistency in the NHL's disciplinary actions, as seen in the contrasting responses to the hits on Dach and Matthews, highlights the need for the league to establish clearer guidelines and ensure fair application of penalties to prioritize player safety and maintain fan engagement.