Ottavainen's post-hit punches spark suspension debate
During Thursday's preseason matchup, Seattle's Ville Ottavainen reacted to a check by Brennan Othmann by pulling him to the ice and throwing punches at him while he was defenseless. Kraken coach Lane Lambert defended the response, pointing to an earlier high hit by Othmann that led to his ejection. The league has not ruled on a possible suspension.
Ottavainen, 25, has spent most of his North American career in the AHL since being drafted by Seattle and is currently competing for a roster spot in training camp. The incident occurred in the second period of Thursday's preseason game, after Othmann had already been ejected from an earlier meeting between the two clubs for a high hit on a Kraken player.
Lambert's defense centered on the idea that Othmann had repeatedly targeted Seattle players, and that there is a limit to how many runs a player can absorb before responding. The NHL's Department of Player Safety has not announced a decision, though punches thrown at a defenseless opponent typically fall within its review scope.
This incident may shape how preseason games are policed, as the league's response could signal whether retaliation for prior hits is treated as a mitigating factor. Players and coaches may adjust their behavior based on the outcome, while fans and analysts could debate the line between standing up for teammates and crossing into dangerous conduct. The decision may also affect Ottavainen's roster chances, as a suspension would complicate his bid to make the Kraken's opening-night lineup.