Former NHLer suspended for intentionally kicking an opponent in the neck

In case you missed the news earlier today, former NHLer Martin Frk was suspended five games in the Swiss National league for a "high skate" on former NHL defenseman Lawrencce Pilut.

Here's the play in question, courtesy of TSN:

IN-SANE!

That looks FULLY intentional to me and Frk only gets 5 games! WTF!?!?!?

This guy should be given a lifetime ban for attempt to injure. Frankly, I think that law enforcement should even be involved in cases like this where its clear that catastrophic injury is the intent.

More on how this is all playing out courtesy of Sportskeeda in Switzerland:

Former Detroit Red Wings player Martin Frk has come under fire for his reckless play, resulted in a high skate to Lawerence Pilut's neck area, with many calling for a lifetime ban on the player.

The incident occurred during a Swiss National League matchup between Lausanne and Rapperswil-Jona last week. During a play, both Martin Frk and Lawrence Pilut went in for puck possession.

After a bit of tussling to get their stick on the puck, Frk was meleed into the Rapperswil-Jona's bench. Pilut was reportedly hit with a skate up to his face, slightly above his chin, by Frk in the process.

Fortunately, Lawrence Pilut did not suffer a serious injury. Initially, Martin Frk was given a one-game suspension, pending an investigation into the incident. Subsequently, the disciplinary committee in Switzerland punished the former Red Wings player with a five-game suspension along with a fine of 7,600 Swiss francs ($8,744).

According to reports, the decision was made because Frk had intentionally kicked Pilut.

The 30 year old Frk has not played in the NHL since the 2021-22 season with the Los Angeles Kings. He has split this season between two teams in the Swiss National League, putting up four goals and eight points in 18 games. In 124 total NHL games, the Czech native managed 20 goals and 41 points split between the Kings, Detroit Red Wings and Carolina Hurricanes. He was a prolific AHL scorer during his time in North America though, with his career best season coming in 2021-22 when he managed 40 goals and 73 points in just 58 games for the Kings' AHL affiliate Ontario Reign.