Leafs Looking For A Centre | The Chris Johnston Show

[@KNU_TV]

Yikes. Julian is 100% right on this.

[@retflo2583]

CJ roots for Patrick Mahomes....

[@garyk1836]

What they are asking for is preferential treatment. But he cross checked a man in the head. McDavid has been suspended before, and Matthews did not have a prior history. Myers' last suspension was 10 years ago

[@HockeyTruther]

It boils down to this: if a no-name 4th liner getting his 6 games in this year injures a superstar with the same play, we're talking about a massive suspension. You got to punish McDavid. You've also got to hear his message and actually call penalties on McDavid from here on.

[@Ottotherepoman1]

you are right, except that doesn't happen to a 4th line any more. Watch a Panthers game, this literally happens 2 or 3 times a game, nothing happens. The rangers are bad too. Trouba used to try and hit people in the head all the time, Rempe still does it.

[@Peter_Larsen]

The Department of Player Safety needs to publicly come out with a specific list of suspension lengths: - Crosschecking (1 game) - Slewfooting (2 games) And then have modifiers - Head contact (+ 1 game) - Opponent injured and missing time (+2 games) - 3rd or More Offense in Last 5 Seasons (x2 games for every offense above 2) So instead of it being this mysterious “spin the wheel of supplemental discipline”, we have an objective way of understanding what happens and why. (Not all penalties or modifiers listed, just using examples)

[@munaclassic4020]

Also if a match penalty is given with less then 5 minutes of impact it’s usually a +1 game to any suspension. We can argue if it’s stupid but it’s one of the only semi consistent thing about suspensions to my knowledge.

[@krakenspectacor]

@@Peter_Larsen the fact you think it’s spin the wheel shows how little you pay attention, like this clown show of a network

[@Peter_Larsen]

@ I don’t think that it’s truly spin the wheel. I’m saying that there is a lack of consistency that makes people feel like it is. As Chris spoke of in the video, why is this crosscheck 3 games, compared to the Meier 1 or the Matthews 2? We see hits that look similar get different game amounts. Opacity in processes leads to doubt and mistrust. Transparency would lead to a better understanding of the game

[@krakenspectacor]

@ there’s a crazy amount of consistency. Meier wasn’t a deliberate check to the head. The fact you think their are equivalent shows it’s a you problem. Context is important and the league explains this in their videos. Go watch the Soucy suspension video. You may learn something

[@709mash]

Connor had a prior suspension and got 3. Matthews had no prior suspension and got 2. I mean that lines up does it not? There shouldn't be favortism.

[@joer8854]

I'm sorry but Chris asking for different rules for Connor McDavid is wild. I'm sorry but we need more consistency not less. Chris bud, at the end of the day no matter what your intention what you are asking for is that it be a slap on the wrist for Connor McDavid to injure other players.

[@RareMusicLJM]

he shoulda been suspended earlier too.

[@baohoaily]

If they let him take more abuse than less skilled players, they should be more lenient on him when he loses control. In smart business if you’re gonna favour anyone. Favour your best ones not the lesser ones. Or do the easier thing and call the game properly.

[@WillPe8]

Different rules no. Consistent rules yes. And also enforce the GD rules on the ice before it gets to this point. It’s pathetic the on ice officiating in this league. I think these type of retaliatory plays should be 5 games for the player and 10 for the officials allowing it to get to the point they have to take the officials job into their own hands. That game was a joke of officiating and I don’t cheer for either team. Garland straight up cheated to give his team the best chance to win and we aren’t even discussing that point. McDavid should have been given a penalty shot for what Garland did.

[@insomniac2474]

I applaud Julian stance for wanting to treat players equally rather than privilage.

[@80sNMusic]

I wish Julian brought up the Spezza suspension. He literally had one of the cleanest careers in the game and he still got 6 games

[@TCR_Scotchyl]

Enjoying the podcasts for the last year from Abu Dhabi. And yes we do have ice hockey here.

[@Lee-f9w5v]

0 chance after the comments Ryan O'Reilly said he comes back!

[@Normaniac]

I legit believe him getting off with the elbow the other night factors into this lol

[@northerngal]

Just a minute. Chris, did you watch the entire sequence with McDavid and Garland? Judging by your commentary, no. McDavid started the whole mess first, by checking Garland so hard he was knocked down on the ice. McDavid landed heavily on top of him. Garland is 5'8'. McDavid is 6'1'. McDavid went on to hold Garland down and prevent him from getting up. Garland then wrapped his legs, or tried to wrap them, around the much larger player that fell on him. After untangling, McDavid gets up and punches Garland in the back of the head. Garland gets away, they do a tango, Garland tries to skate away after being mauled, then McDavid cross checks him in the head. McDavid gets away with a LOT because of who he is. He's constantly working hard against others and is a really competitive guy. But starting this and finishing it with two shots to Garland's head was cheap as heck. I thought three games wasn't enough. It should have been 5. Best player on the planet should stop being a douche.

[@user-fx4qb3tg6n]

I wonder what the reason is Mcdavid doesn't draw more penalties from the refs. Does he treat the refs poorly? Does he not embellish enough or show that the obstruction slowed him down? Is the league trying to make it more fair for 98% of the players to keep up or deal with the "cheat code" Mcdavid? Garland was clearly holding mcdavid for 14 seconds in plain sight and he admitted it, the fact it wasn't called is a mystery. I think his frustrations have built up into a cross check in the face, honestly I would have done the same.

[@InkAndOxide]

Julian is right and Chris is wrong. McDavid should not get less of a suspension just because he's McDavid.

[@vipeholmskolan6052]

"wasn't hurt" shouldn't matter. But 3 games is one too much. CJ tho, McDavid did a chickenwing just a week back. He does do this.

[@jamesstemmler7620]

Don't entirely agree with wasn't hurt shouldn't matter. That's not the case in the law when it comes to violence so why should it be the case in sports? If you try to murder someone and fail you get "attempted murder" not murder. Cuz the murder didn't happen. If you attack someone with a weapon and they don't really get badly hurt you get "assault with a weapon" if you do hurt them badly you'll get "aggravated assault causing bodily harm". All of those examples carry lesser or more severe penalties based on the outcome. Outcomes ABSOLUTELY matter. It shouldn't be any different in sports🤷‍♂️ If there is intent you absolutely need to be punished for the intent but if you don't actually hurt them there is no justification for punishing as harshly as if they actually get badly hurt. If outcomes affect charges and sentencing in criminal law there is no reason to uphold a MORE STRICT standard in sports rules. Those similar principles should also apply in sports incidents.

[@vipeholmskolan6052]

@jamesstemmler7620 laws don't have the same purpose as rules in a game entirely, so your entire argument is flawed.

[@CTav21]

Mom, dad, you guys good? Good debate though, loved it.

[@HockeyTruther]

Also, did we suspend Crosby for cutting methot's finger in half?

[@VanIsleOutdoors]

Bad take on McDavid CJ. Forget which player is involved. This league needs clearly defined rules and consistent enforcement of those rules. Stunning to me that people bet on NHL games. That's real gambling.

[@peterdelis5631]

The department of player safety might have looked it as "what star player have we suspended recently?" Matthews being suspended 2 games was most likely their comparable. So they probably had that as the baseline then realized that McDavid was suspended in the past for a head shot, then came to conclusion that McDavid gets the extra game for a similar incident to what Matthews did. Just an idea for what they might have done. At the end of the day, there isn't consistency with penalties, fines, and suspensions. There needs to be set standards for all of it

[@DrowzyDan]

Justice should be blind. Don't care how much he makes. Also McDavid should draw more calls, where was the whistle when Garland was wrestling him? This is a problem of the officiating needing a massive rework.

[@McWerp]

Suspensions should be WAY longer every time. But the NHL is toothless.

[@AT9606_]

The calls should be consistent and McDavid shouldn’t get special treatment. That being said… his last suspension was about 6 years ago. 3 might be excessive. I agree with the point about DPS trying to find reasons not to suspend some of the other repeat offenders. Just make the calls consistent

[@insomniac2474]

This is a perfect example of accepting privilage in society. A rich or valuable person who is a repeat offender get defended by the masses. They are essentially asking for special rules for the elite, I say if that is what you want lets put it on paper. He isn't asking for all old infractions to be ignored just for the elite. So lets spell it out and celebrate the inequity in the NHL.

[@BijanTab]

As a Leafs fan, I think 2 games was the sweet spot, mostly over Matthews comparisons. 3 games is a little much.

[@scottdixon2420]

Timo Meier and Auston Matthews both delivered cross-checks to the head, but only after being cross-checked themselves in the middle of a scrum. Meier’s seemed to unintentionally hit the head as the player lurched forward, while Matthews was more clearly deliberate. That’s why Meier got a 1-game suspension and Matthews 2 games. McDavid on the other hand, received 3 games for a direct, intentional cross-check to the head, without being struck first. Garland did hold him, but they weren’t directly involved in the play. You're welcome-just did the NHL’s Player Safety job for them.

[@krakenspectacor]

@@scottdixon2420 player safety doesn’t need you to do that. They literally explain this stuff in videos but a lot of folks on the internet refuse to watch/listen and use their brains

[@BlueLiner85]

CJ drinking the Koolaid

[@Krokodilius]

"do you think mcdavid is a dirty player" he literally domed a guy, AND got away with it, the game before. if you want to talk about consistency where was his 5 game suspension for that?

[@_the_kelly_]

Every player should be treated the same, regardless of their standing. Just because McD is the 'star' today, doesn't mean Mark Donk won't be a star in their own right later.

[@ethanwhiteford5748]

The outrage is that they made it 3 games now. If this was two games nobody would be talking about it.

[@THEGDB]

Julian is absolutely right , holy is CJs pay tied to the number of games McDavid plays or something . Didnt McDavid get a free pass on injuring a player like 2 weeks ago . Garland should of got a game for his nonsense tho , he wasn't doing anything hockey related

[@THEGDB]

CJs take that its a business is beyond ridiculous , if the case that its a business is a factor in the rules and outcomes of games , then Buffalo , Winnipeg should never win , its bad for ratings , call the rules differently to help the business.

[@almVancouver]

Leafs definitely need more scoring from the bottom six.

[@jaycarter637]

It would have been 2 games each if it wasn't for how late into the game the infractions happened, therefore the extra game each.

[@dfu3764]

I feel like he should have gotten two games. Yeah definitely deserved a suspension, I think one prior several years ago isn't enough of a history to get an extra game. I also agree with alot if the comments that even though he's the face of the league no one should get preferential treatment

[@maxjohnson847]

The only way the Nashville predators trade Ryan O’Reilly is if he asks for it directly and I don’t think he will because it seems like he generally loves to play here, but I am a Nashville predators fan so what do I know

[@bradbrennan8975]

Morgan rielly got 5 games for a body check

[@1967wazzy]

Give mcgeezus 5games end of story then this could be a story for the month till 4 nations cup lots of media chit chat at the boring time of the yr

[@randycarolsmith1437]

I hope toews signs in t.o if he is healthy enough. The peg would be my second choice. He has to be coming back to win

[@JCS-b1q]

AS IF CJ. do the crime do the time! regardless of who you are. ZERO EXCUSE TO HIT A PLAYER IN THE HEAD

[@MrNicolas61]

They probably gave him the extra game cause of the elbow he gave to that Minnesota player.

[@trevordaugherty5479]

Maple Leafs trading for a center is gonna be tough without a 1st this year, they have 2026 and 2027 1st. Are they gonna give up Easton Cowan, or Fraser Minten??

[@michaelrudd1927]

CJ is completely misunderstanding Julien. The whole consistency thing is important but that is for a first offense is this a second is this third this and so on. Not that every cross-check to the face is 3 games but the first time it should be 3 and no less and that's the standard going forward. Then if you do it again its 5 then 10 then 20 whatever but. CJ is saying history matters and yes it does but you can be consistent and account for history at the same time.

[@Almahex]

I love listening to people talk over each other to make a point. Real good listening

[@williamarmour1656]

A lover of American politics .. eh

[@enmac500]

Go do better then

[@samlos354]

Riley is not coming to Leaf’s.

[@Lee-f9w5v]

Leafs need to beg Rielly to take a trade anywhere , it would cost us ALOT to find someone willing to take that boat anchor of a contract but it would be worth it! He doesn't even put effort in the game EVER anymore , he is not interested in the game at all!

[@bredwta]

Its very simple, you have 3 very similsr plays and 3 different punishments. Regardless of where you stand on any of those calls, thr DoPS got two of them wrong. A cross check to the face is either a 1, 2 or 3 game suspension based on this criteria. If you think mcdavid deserved 3 games for that play, then so did meier and matthews and the DoPS got those wrong. Fire Parros and his team of goons and get some people in there who can remember what they did 3 months ago and be consistent.

[@shawnblackwood1471]

More telling will be the punishment for the next player to cross check someone in the head . If they get 3 games then maybe its the league saying we're cracking down . If they only get 1 , it'll open this debate all over again .

[@tonytoope9589]

Chris is wrong. Every player should be treated equally. He's asking for a double standard and I have no time for that

[@zlattack6949]

Towes to Detroit to reconnect with Patty

[@MarcCote6]

Make the calls per the rulebook consistently and these crosschecks don't happen. The officiating has zero consistency in regard to penalties. Suspend both referees for the same three games as punishment for not doing their job to the standard they should.

[@krakenspectacor]

@@MarcCote6 the copium is unreal. He still would have thrown his little tantrum. Would have been a delayed penalty and McBaby still would have come up and hit him in the face. This isn’t the first or lasts time McBaby will throw a tantrum

[@shirleydaley5335]

It was only a week or 2 ago Connor got away with a nice elbow, stop the silly BS. 3 games is fine . Stop with the what happened before the cross-check. Something happens before most dirty plays

[@2many_sodiumz587]

So what im hearing is McDavid deserves special treatment because he's connor McDavid... actions have consequences and he got his for what he did. It is what it is, dont do stuff to get yourself suspended and you wont have to deal with this stuff 🤷

[@mattnaylor566]

Really unbelievable to have reporters calling for certain players and teams to get a competitive advantage because it’s a business. Do you think we’re all fans of the NHL as a business? Who are you representing here?

[@5fingershufflegaming]

mcdavid is getting the high end bc he is one of the dirtiest players in the league.... just bc he hasnt been suspended for most of his assaults doesnt mean they havent been seen

[@bluelion1995]

McD checked Johansson to the head injuring him and the NHL believed his BS it not being on purpose. This time they had enough. Why should he get different rules than Rempe? If McD continues like this, he will get 5+ games before the playoffs. Maybe he is mad because some personal issues, but he had a very dirty week.

[@Ottotherepoman1]

Using a history methodology, Shouldn't Marchand, Tom Wilson et al be getting 10 gamers every time they pull the same stuff.

[@Normaniac]

This might be CJ’s worst take

[@michaelmackay2782]

I really think they should have a list like @Peter_larson says below here but should also consider intent and outcome. Intent can be visibly measured/determined by reviewing the play in what lead to the incident, how it was perpetrated and the results of the actions. Every fan is able to see if a play was merely a passionate response or if the offence was well outside the lines of a "hockey play". Suggested metrics: Vicious meter score 1-5 Mitigating circumstances (antagonized i.e. two to tango factor) - 1-5 Injury and missed time score 1-5 Player history (career as a pro) score 1-5 With Peter's suggested base line for each type of infraction with some nuance, use the score card to add, meet or reduce the penalty for both fines and suspensions. I don't know how else to standardize this while only using empirical data. There needs to be some measure of interpretation which is honestly the most difficult part and where they are failing miserably at present. I have never seen CJ fired up like that. I thought he was going to make Julian cry hahaha. Love you guys and have been a 100%er since CJ was doing cameos back across from the Pizza place in that tiny studio. Julian man, love your laugh. My wife thinks you are the King of Short Kings and will never forget the epsiode where CJ called you out on air. We died for the entire length of your show and you guys are wholly genuine and have got that chemistry thing that makes you loveable keep it up gents.

[@ionystherogue5627]

Oof CJ licking McJesus bag

[@bradbrennan8975]

What are you talking about

[@jamesstemmler7620]

I love ya CJ really do, but the take of it's a business so stars should be treated more favourably than the lesser players is a terrible take. That's *exactly* the same as agreeing that politicians and rich business men should get lesser punishments for commiting crimes because of who they are. Yet almost exclusively everyone in general society heavily disagrees with that. Does it happen? Absolutely. That doesn't mean we should defend it or endorse it. Endorsing McDavid getting more leeway due to his contribution to the game is exactly like saying a politician shouldn't face as severe consequences for a bad crime just because they are important to the running of the country. I'm not saying it doesn't happen. It happens ALL THE TIME. But in no way should any normal person ever be endorsing that. McDavid doesn't deserve ANY special treatment if he does something that could injure someone. "It's a business" is not a defensible excuse. In fact that endorsing that mentality is in extremely poor taste. I would like to add a positive as I love ya man I do agree with a bunch of the other points you made surrounding the topic. I agree 3 was too much. I agree 6 years ago since the last is enough that it should be a mitigating factor. I agree that track record of games played vs how many bad infractions you commit matters (the McDavid vs Rempe example is spot on). I agree with *most* of what you said. But that specific thing about defending preferential treatment because "it's a business" left a bad taste in my mouth. Love you guys! No hard feelings just clearly a topic that has become very divisive and lots of people getting fired up about it in both directions lol! And I'm more on Julian's side on this one.

[@enmac500]

McHeadshot and DraiNutshot on one team is wild

[@bellamydrake9343]

Look Oiler fans are totally over reacting. Just don't cross check guys in the face. I was thinking two games for him and Meyers but I think the league wants to up the penalty on these plays. Moving forward this type of infraction is most likely going to get 3 or more games. the Oiler comments and you guys need to support the league on this. I'm a Canuck guy but you Oil fans have a good team even without Conner for 3. You will be fine and maybe a needed rest for the big guy.

[@socrates7722]

Sorry, but what CJ is arguing for is exactly why I don’t follow the nfl anymore

[@gimicio.talloni]

Julian... Your takes on suspensions in the NHL are way off.

[@alraimondini7823]

Toews viendrait à Montréal avant Winnipeg sa mère vien de la Beauce il vien au Centre Bell voir des match du canadien je suis sûr qui va pas des match des jets en plus il parle très bien français a jouer avec st louis pour le Canada

[@michaelrudd1927]

By the NHL’s own admission they throw suspension history out after 2 seasons just look at Tom Wilson he would be out of the league if they went back 6 years for progressive punishment.

[@bellamydrake9343]

You are whining Chris. This is a dangerous cross check to the head and I think the league is upping the consequences for this type of hit. Plus Meyers got the same. You can't always try to compare to other past suspensions in a flow game like hockey. I'm going to agree with the league on this one and sends a message to all players moving forward. Also he did it and how about the guy taking the hit you don't talk about that.

[@jeremiahmoore6502]

CJ is wrong. And any player in the NHL is for outshined by anyone in the NFL or NBA.

[@mattnaylor566]

CJ this episode: How can you charge someone for attempted murder? Rare terrible take

[@billrowen9417]

No special treatment. Make me laugh he's the best, it's ok. Bunch of babies!

[@georgejones5385]

Bad look for CJ ngl

[@Ryan-fi2ul]

I’m with Chris on this, NHL is behind the nba and nfl for a reason

[@fawkesclub2590]

Big difference between a million dollar player getting suspended And a 12 million dollar player getting suspended

[@bellamydrake9343]

No there isn't. You do the crime you pay the time.

[@fawkesclub2590]

@bellamydrake9343 REALLY How much does each player make per game You miss games you miss the pay for those games + the fine This is how the cba works

[@jacobxlaird]

The “taking the best players out of the game” argument is an interesting hill to die on. It’s one game, both like they suspended him for 3 weeks. He got a two game suspension in the past for a headshot. He recommitted the same offence and got an additional game added to punishment. If Timo Meir got one, it’s likely because it was his first headshot offence, no?

[@krakenspectacor]

Give the oilers credit for showing they want special treatment for McBaby. He is a whiner and now Drai and the team has show they are also whiners. LOL that Chris thinks it’s heavy handed. This is the standard champ. Both players made an intentional cross check DIRECTLY to the head. It doesn’t matter if McDavid is the best player in the league. You guys cry when it’s inconsistent (it isn’t) and then cry when it is. The special desire for treatment for him is just stupid. Be better guys. Connor also isn’t the face of the league. He may be a star but he’s a doormat. Literally no one outside the league know who the guy is. The Timo Meier was not intentionally directly to the head. Watch the suspension vidoes. At least you show your ignorance here. Same with Soucy. The media needs to do their jobs and actually do RESEARCH. It’s hilarious y’all parroting rhe same ignorance. I can’t believe Chris spent more time crying than actually educating himself. No one looked for a reason to take him off the ice. HE GAVE them a reason. Chris you’ve lost so much respect.

[@bellamydrake9343]

Dude McDavid is the best hockey player on the planet. All fans know who he is. A doormat? Maybe take up tittlie winks. Signed Canuck fan.

[@krakenspectacor]

@ hockey fans do, the rest of both countries sports fans don’t. He may be great (best is arguable), but he IS a doormat. Sorry Oilers fan. He has zero charisma or affability. Whining like a little baby for getting suspended for his own childish antics doesn’t help his image either

[@owlpp3373]

You’re not allowed to CROSS CHECK someone in the FACE! 3 games is fair.

[@bellamydrake9343]

The Oiler rink will be sold out regardless Chris, lighten up that's hockey. This stuff builds rivalries which us fans love. Oh so I rob a bank but it was the first time so go light on me? Come on Chris.

[@dalemcarthur7951]

I think if the McDavid elbow didn't happen last week he gets 2 but he has a history of committing infractions against the canucks. The high stick against Hughes in the playoffs, during the game last week he sticked hronek in the face at the end of the second period. He's a dirty player who has a history of drawing some of the most penalties in the game, and has the audacity to complain

[@blakec1414]

I’m sorry man advocating for preferential treatment for any player is insane and makes me question your integrity as a person

[@majc69]

CJ in full hockey mom mode. Not my boy, he's innocent! 😭. It's not a sliding scale of punishment based on your favorite players CJ. It was obvious, it was flagrant, it was a repeat offense, it was the same punishment given out in the same game to an opponent for basically the same thing, with maybe a cleaner history given play style and McDerpy just avoided discipline for another flagrant head shot this week. Maybe he should have gotten a game for that and 3 for this. Maybe his demonstrated history is that he is likely to target the head when he's frustrated and not that he should get special treatment for going zoom zoom.

[@adintzionavrahamstrauss]

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