Brandon Duhaime is lighter in the pocketbook after the Washington Capitals’ 5-1 loss to the Seattle Kraken.
The Capitals forward was fined $2,500 by the NHL for unsportsmanlike conduct toward an opponent.
Per a video from the Sound of Hockey, Duhaime, while on the Capitals bench, caught Jacob Melanson with his stick as the Kraken forward skated by on the ice with 7:10 remaining in the second period.
The play was commented on by the Kraken telecast, “Melanson is clipped by a stick, an accidental stick.”
On a replay aired shortly after, Duhaime connected with Melanson using the butt end of his stick.
The two then later settled the score, dropping the gloves with 1:10 seconds remaining in the third period. Melanson won the fight, earning the takedown.
According to the league, Duhaime’s fine will go to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
Here’s the full press release from the NHL:
Capitals’ Duhaime Fined for Unsportsmanlike Conduct
NEW YORK (Jan. 28, 2026) – Washington Capitals forward Brandon Duhaime has been fined $2,500 for unsportsmanlike conduct toward an opponent while on Washington’s bench during NHL Game No. 839 in Seattle on Tuesday, Jan. 27, the National Hockey League’s Department of Player Safety announced today.
The incident occurred at 12:50 of the second period.
The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
