This is going to sound awful, but while the game is in the state it currently is, I think fighting has to remain in hockey. Lets be honest the department of player safety and the punishments handed out have been dogshit for years, there is little to no consistency and that has allowed players who dont impact the game at all completely take someone out for weeks. In hall of famer Daniel Sedins own words when asked about star players being constantly harassed by illegal moves "I mean, I had back surgery, so that's what happens." Until DOPS gets their heads out of their asses I think it is up to the teams to make sure people know not to maim their stars and young players. I could be biased however as two of my favourite Canucks all time were Rick Rypien (rest in piece) and Kevin Bieksa, one of the greatest superman punchers the NHL has ever seen.