The latest from the “Reckless Ryan Garbutt” files -- during last night’s 5-2 loss to San Jose, Garbutt was benched by Stars head coach Lindy Ruff after taking an elbowing penalty in the second period with Dallas trailing by two.
“That can’t happen, it just can’t happen this time of the year, it can’t,” Ruff said, per the Dallas Morning-News. “He didn’t hurt himself, he hurt 19 teammates.”
The penalty in question:
After exiting the box, Garbutt played a grand total of nine seconds and didn’t touch the ice at all in the third period.
The 29-year-old may well be the NHL’s most reckless player. He’s been suspended twice this year -- one for kneeing Tyalor Hall, once for slew-footing Dustin Byfuglien -- and, all told, has been suspended 10 games over the last two seasons; he was also fined during last year’s playoffs for spearing Corey Perry in the groin.
Here, now, is a sampling of the PHT headlines Garbutt’s behavior has produced:
Ruff reaches out to Garbutt’s dad about son’s reckless play
Garbutt’s undisciplined play has ‘got to stop,’ says Nill
Ruff angry, fed up with Garbutt’s lack of discipline
Steve Ott offers advice for Stars’ Ryan Garbutt
One has to wonder what the Stars will do with Garbutt moving forward. He’s on the books for one more year at $1.8 million, and has been a good producer -- 17 goals and 35 points in 75 games last season, seven goals and 18 points through 50 games this year -- but, at the same time, repeat warnings from both the league and Stars organization don’t appear to have altered his approach or playing style.