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NHL disciplines Devils' Brenden Dillon for ruthless hit on Blackhawks' Tyler Bertuzzi


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Jack Sutherland
November 13, 2025  (12:46)
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Oct 21, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New Jersey Devils defenseman Brenden Dillon (5) controls the puck against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the third period at Scotiabank Arena.
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

New Jersey Devils defenseman Brendan Dillon was only fined $5,000 after his predatory elbow to the back of the head of Blackhawks forward Tyler Bertuzzi, sparking outrage.

The Chicago Blackhawks lost 4-3 in OT to the New Jersey Devils last night at United Center, but there was also a more concerning moment during the game that didn't result in the kind of discipline that one would think would follow.
Devils defenseman Brendan Dillon hit Blackhawks forward Tyler Bertuzzi with a predatory elbow to the back of his head during the game and yet was only fined a measly $5,000, which is the maximum amount allowed under the NHL's current Collective Bargaining Agreement.
"This is only a $5,000 fine in the NHL. A flying elbow to the back of the head. They simply do not care."
"Can anyone explain how this is NOT predatory behavior from Brenden Dillon? He very clearly targets the head of Bertuzzi, even leaving his feet to do so, and from behind!

Thats a major and a suspension in any other league"

Fans were naturally angry:
Refs fked up bad on that one - should have been a 5 min major.

Should have gotten a 5 minute major and game for that.

That's the equivalent of a $50k per year person being fined $62.

The NHL is not serious about player safety.

Tyler Bertuzzi Managed To Stay In The Game And Avoid Serious Injury

A blatant elbow to the back of one's head could have easily resulted in a serious injury, but the good news for the Blackhawks is that Bertuzzi was able to stay in the game.
Bertuzzi, who was signed to a four-year deal last summer, is playing in his second year in a Blackhawks sweater. So far, he has 15 points (9G, 6A) in 16 games.
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NHL disciplines Devils' Brenden Dillon for ruthless hit on Blackhawks' Tyler Bertuzzi

Should the NHL have punished Brendan Dillon more for his dangerous hit?

Yes14595.4 %
No74.6 %
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