Marchand is not happy about his 3 game suspension, demands the NHL “respect his abilities”

In case you missed it yesterday, the NHL announced a three game suspension for Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand for slew footing Vancouver Canucks defenseman Oliver Ekman Larsson.

Check it out:

And here's the slew foot in question:

In their explanation of the suspension, NHL Player Safety states that Marchand's "use of both his upper and lower body to take Ekman-Larsson to the ice in a dangerous fashion" was enough for him to earn a three game suspension. The fact that Marchand also has six prior suspensions, with one for slew footing, likely factored into the severity of the punishment as well.

Marchand though made it clear to Bruins reporter Fluto Shinzawa that he's not happy with the NHL's decision. Here's what Marchand had to say about the suspension and the frustration that he feels with regards to how he's treated by NHL Player Safety.

Check it out:

"I have tried extremely hard over the last four years to get away from the reputation I've had. I think I've done an extremely good job at that. I know early on I crossed over the line a lot of times. It's unfortunate that continues to haunt me."

"I feel I've completely transformed myself from the player I was to a player that should be respected in this league for his abilities. I understand completely the history that I have. I just was hoping they would have seen past that. Obviously that wasn't the case."

- Brad Marchand

You know what? Fair enough... I hear ya, Marchand. And the fact of the matter is that he has cleaned up his game, but you can't deny history. Marchand has six suspensions over the course of his career and NHL Player Safety has always stated that previous history factors into supplemental discipline decisions. 

Also... are you sure you've cleaned things up over the past four years? You were licking opponents just three years ago... 

Whether it's fair or not, Marchand is never going to get the benefit of the doubt given his track record and his reputation.