NHL REPORT: Conflict in The NHL As Jake Walman Fined \$10K for On-Ice Antics Involving Matthew Tkachuk and Panthers Bench
*June 11, 2025 – NHL News*
**Detroit Red Wings defenseman Jake Walman** has been handed a **\$10,000 fine** by the NHL for two separate infractions during a heated clash with the **Florida Panthers**, the league announced today.
Walman was fined **\$5,000 for roughing Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk**, an incident that occurred during the second period of the game. The roughing penalty came after a series of escalating physical exchanges between the two players, culminating in Walman delivering a high hit on Tkachuk after the whistle.
But the drama didn’t stop there.
Shortly after serving his penalty, Walman was caught **squirting water toward the Panthers’ bench**, in an apparent act of gamesmanship aimed at further antagonizing his opponents. The NHL’s Department of Player Safety reviewed the footage and issued **an additional \$5,000 fine** for unsportsmanlike conduct.
In total, Walman will be docked **\$10,000**, the maximum allowable fine under the NHL’s collective bargaining agreement.
The incident has sparked commentary from both sides. The Red Wings have yet to release an official statement, but head coach Derek Lalonde downplayed the events in his postgame press conference.
“These things happen in the heat of the moment,” Lalonde said. “Jake’s a competitor. Obviously, we want to keep our discipline, but we also stand behind our players.”
The Panthers, however, were less amused.
“It’s bush league,” said one unnamed Panthers player after the game. “You want to play physical, fine. But squirting water from the bench? That’s not tough — that’s childish.”
Tkachuk, known for his own antagonistic style of play, appeared unfazed by the incident.
“Doesn’t bother me,” Tkachuk said. “If someone’s that worried about me that they’re squirting water, I guess I’m doing my job.”
The fines come amid rising tensions between the two teams, both of whom are fighting for playoff positioning in the final stretch of the season. Physicality and emotion have run high in recent meetings, and this latest confrontation adds fuel to an already growing rivalry.
While the penalties won’t result in a suspension, the NHL’s decision serves as a reminder that even small actions — like a squirt of water — can lead to real financial consequences when they cross the line into unsportsmanlike behavior.
Walman has not publicly commented on the fines, and it’s unclear if the Red Wings plan to appeal or accept the league’s ruling. Regardless, the defenseman will be lighter in the wallet — and perhaps a bit more cautious — the next time he lines up across from Matthew Tkachuk.
As playoff intensity continues to build, the league is clearly keeping a close eye on conduct, bo
th during and after the whistle.
