The New Chief

Since the decision of Colin Campbell to step down as the NHL’s chief disciplinarian on June 1, 2011, Brendan Shanahan has taken over and has made it clear to the league his intentions. Shanahan has led the way in determining the length and severity of suspensions, assessing fines and also letting teams know what behavior is not subject to supplementary discipline.

After 34 suspensions totaling 113 games on hits, illegal checks to the head, boarding, illegal high sticks and leaving the bench for altercations, Shanahan is starting to think players are noticing and becoming smarter with their decisions. He also predicts players will adjust to these new rules changes to boarding and illegal hits to the head (which is explained here) like they did with serious stick fouls that are now gone from the game.

I think Shanahan has a steep learning curve to deal with and balancing the suspensions on hits while trying to  preserve hockey's physicality. Shanahan believes the only hits that will be missing are the illegal ones and I think  Shanahan is a prime candidate for this position since playing in the league and going through the many changes that have occurred over the decade and  simultaneously evolving with them as a player. 

A list of all the suspensions can be viewed here