Former Boston Bruins defenseman faces major discipline by NHL Player Safety: A fine was handed out

The former Bruins defenseman is back in headlines for the wrong reason.

The NHL Player Safety department announced that Grzelcyk has been fined $2,604.17 for cross checking Ottawa Senators forward Tim Stützle.

The fine represents the maximum amount allowable under the current collective bargaining agreement.

Grzelcyk, now with the Chicago Blackhawks, was penalized for an in-game incident that crossed the league's threshold for supplemental discipline. While no suspension was issued, the fine signals the NHL felt the play warranted formal action.

Grzelcyk was a third round pick in 2012 and spent nine seasons with the Bruins organization, carving out a role as a mobile, puck-moving defenseman.

During his Boston tenure, Grzelcyk played over 450 regular season games, topping out at 26 points during the 2022-23 season. His game was built more on positioning and puck movement than physical edge.

The NHL has been increasingly strict on cross-checking, especially when it involves skilled forwards like Stützle. Ottawa's young star is one of the league's most dynamic offensive players, and those situations draw close scrutiny.

The maximum fine amount often surprises fans, but under the CBA, fines are tied to a percentage of a player's salary. In Grzelcyk's case, $2,604.17 is the ceiling the league is allowed to impose without a suspension.

For Chicago, the fine does not affect Grzelcyk's lineup status. It does, however, add attention to a rebuilding roster where discipline and structure remain priorities.