Avalanche’s Josh Manson hit with double minor after butt ending Wild player

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson may have been hit only with a double-minor during Game 4 against the Minnesota Wild in their Western Conference Semifinal series, but there’s a good chance that he’s going to hear from the National Hockey League Department of Player Safety because of his actions.

Mason, who hadn’t played since April 23, and Wild forward Michael McCarron got tangled up along the half wall during Monday’s Game 4, and replays showed that Manson took a quick look around on the ice before hitting McCarron in the neck with the butt-end of his stick, sending his opponent reeling backward.

Under NHL Rule 58.5, an attempted butt-end results in a double minor penalty, while a successful butt-end carries a five-minute major along with a game misconduct.
Speaking with former defenseman P.K. Subban, who is now an NHL Insider on TNT, McCarron pulled no punches and said that Manson has always been a “dirty player”.

“I mean, you played against Josh,” McCarron said to Subban via Frank Seravalli on X. “He’s a dirty player. He’s always been. Surprised he got away with only a 4-minute. I’m happy he’s still in the game.”

McCarron’s words of saying he’s happy Manson remained in the game can really only mean one thing – he plans on seeking retribution.

In the meantime, there’s a strong case that Manson isn’t done hearing about the incident and could have a price to pay, whether through suspension or fine, if the NHL Department of Player Safety chooses to take another look at it. Manson, who won the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 2022, has never been suspended during his NHL career.

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