Trouba avoids suspension for hitting Frederic's head with 2-handed swing

New York Rangers captain Jacob Trouba dodged a suspension Saturday despite committing an objectively questionable act.

The NHL instead fined the defenseman for hitting Boston Bruins forward Trent Frederic in the head with his stick after a whistle early in the second period of the Rangers' 7-4 win.

Jacob Trouba has been fined $5,000 for high-sticking Trent Frederic, via @NHLPlayerSafety pic.twitter.com/rEzeciql3r

- Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 26, 2023

Here's a closer look at the incident:

Trouba wasn't penalized for his actions during the game. Frederic played four more shifts in the second period and ultimately logged 19 of them in the Bruins' defeat.

The Rangers blue-liner has been suspended once in his NHL career. He sat out two games in February 2017 for hitting then-Ottawa Senators forward Mark Stone in the head.

The league also fined Trouba $5,000 for slashing then-St. Louis Blues rearguard Vince Dunn in January 2020.

Trouba is in his fifth season with the Rangers and second as their captain. He played six campaigns with the Winnipeg Jets to start his career. He's under contract through 2025-26 with an $8-million cap hit, according to CapFriendly.

New York took over the top spot in the NHL with Saturday's victory over Boston.

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