Colorado defenseman Josh Manson was hit with a $5,000 fine on Tuesday, the maximum permissible under the NHL’s collective bargaining agreement. The penalty stems from a double‑minor for striking Minnesota Wild center Michael McCarron with the blunt end of his stick during a first‑period scrum in Game 4. Colorado rode the incident to a 5‑2 victory, pulling ahead 3‑1 and eyeing a clinch.

McCarron labeled Manson a dirty player, adding he “has never been well‑respected.” After a hard check forced Manson into the boards, the two tangled, and Manson’s stick jabbed the side of McCarron’s face, prompting visible pain. A lengthy review dismissed a major penalty but upheld the double minor for a butt‑ending infraction, that could have resulted in a game misconduct.

Manson protested, saying he lost grip amid the chaos and never intended to butt‑end his opponent, though he admitted he “wanted to punch him in the head.” The fine and disciplinary note serve as a reminder that physicality crossing the line carries swift repercussions, especially as the Avalanche seek to close out the series. A further suspension remains unlikely given the fine.