NHL once again creates uncertainty by providing lots of discretion

The following rule is being proposed by the NHL General Managers to address blindside hits to the head. It seems referees are having problems applying the existing rule where you can award a match penalty for intent to injure. Referees claim they don't know what a player's intent was.

"A lateral, back pressure or blindside hit to an opponent where the head is targeted and/or [is] the principal point of contact is not permitted. A violation of the above will result in a minor or major penalty and shall be reviewed for possible supplemental discipline."

Sounds reasonable. However, it's all fuzzy to me and provides a lot of discretion in handing out punishment. First the on ice official must decide if the hit is principally targeting the head and is lateral, back pressure or blindside hit. Then the official decides if the violation merits a minor or major penalty. Finally there is total discretion on the part of Colin Campbell to had out a suspension for the offense.

This is totally different than penalties for sticks to the head. If you hit someone in the head with your stick it is a penalty even if it was accidental. No discretion other than whether to hand out a match penalty which rarely occurs. So if the rule change is approved and we have no reason to believe it won't be, will it work? The rule changes regarding staged fighting did't eliminate staged fights because the discretion provided to officials allowed them to ignore the rule.

Colin Campbell was on Bill Watters's show yesterday and was asked what discipline would Matt Cooke receive if the proposed rule was already in effect. Campbell indicated he would suspend him for 15 to 20 games. If he is handing out these types of suspensions then we will certainly see a change in behaviour. I'm not totally convinced. Sure if a player is carted off on a stretcher as was the case with Marc Savard, that will be a signal to Campbell to come down hard on the player. But what will happen if the player is blindsided, is able to skate to the bench, resumes play later in the game and beats the crap out of offender later on? If there is no supplementary discipline handed out then it is less likely that players will understand that headshots are unacceptable. Instead, the cement heads in the NHL will once again state that they were just finishing their checks and it was bad luck that the other guy got hurt.