Washington Capitals forward Brandon Duhaime fined for poking Seattle Kraken's Jacob Melanson from bench

Washington Capitals forward Brandon Duhaime has been fined $2,500 by the NHL Department of Player Safety for unsportsmanlike conduct. ESPN The incident occurred during Tuesday night’s game against the Seattle Kraken, which the Capitals lost 5-1. Duhaime poked Kraken forward Jacob Melanson with his stick while sitting on the bench, prompting a supplemental discipline announcement on Wednesday. RMNB

No penalty was called on the play at the time, but video review led to the fine, which will go to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund. This marks another example of the league cracking down on bench misconduct amid recent changes to disciplinary procedures.

The poke incident

The poke happened at 12:50 of the second period, with just over seven minutes remaining. RMNB Duhaime, stationed on the Capitals’ bench, extended his stick and made contact with Melanson’s right arm as the Kraken forward skated by along the boards. Replays showed it was the butt end of the stick that clipped Melanson, who immediately grabbed his arm and headed to the locker room.

The Kraken broadcast initially called it an “accidental stick,” but the NHL disagreed upon review. Melanson returned to the game shortly after, showing no lasting effects. A video clip of the moment circulated widely on social media, highlighting the reach from the bench. RMNB

Tensions escalated later in the game. With just 1:10 left in the third period, Duhaime and Melanson dropped the gloves near center ice. Melanson got the takedown in the fight, and Duhaime was assessed an extra minor for roughing on top of the fighting major.

This sequence underscores the physical nature of the matchup. No suspension was issued, keeping the discipline at a fine level.

The NHL’s official statement read: “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.” RMNB

Game context: Kraken’s dominant 5-1 victory

The game took place on January 27, 2026, at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, NHL Game No. 839. The Kraken jumped out to a commanding lead, outscoring the Capitals 3-0 in the second period alone after a scoreless first.

Final score stood at 5-1 in favor of Seattle. The Capitals managed a lone goal in the third, but it was too little too late against a surging Kraken squad.

Key stats from the night included Duhaime logging time in a bottom-six role with his usual physical presence, accumulating seven penalty minutes total from the fight and roughing. ESPN Player Melanson contributed offensively earlier in the game before the altercation.

For more on the full box score and highlights, check the ESPN game recap.

This loss highlighted Washington’s struggles on the road against Pacific Division teams this season.

Brandon Duhaime’s profile and role

At 28 years old (born May 22, 1997), Duhaime stands 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds, fitting the mold of an NHL enforcer. ESPN Player Drafted by Minnesota in 2016 (4th round, 106th overall), he brings grit to the bottom lines.

In the 2025-26 season, through 54 games, Duhaime has 4 goals, 2 assists, and 6 points, with a -4 plus/minus and a team-high 58 penalty minutes among regulars. His projected full-season totals suggest around 88 PIM.

Career-wise, over 347 games, he has 33 goals, 34 assists, and 390 PIM, including multiple short-handed goals and game-winners. His average time on ice is 11:18 per game.

Duhaime was acquired by the Capitals in a trade, adding physicality amid their rebuild efforts. His penchant for fights, like the one with Melanson, defines his value. For his full stats, see his ESPN player page.

As a pending unrestricted free agent, his future hangs in the balance.

Jacob Melanson: The young Kraken involved

Jacob Melanson, 22 (born April 22, 2003), is a 5-foot-11, 190-pound forward recently called up from AHL Coachella Valley after an injury to teammate Ben Meyers. ESPN Player

In 17 games this season, he has 1 goal, 3 assists, and 4 points, averaging 9:22 TOI. Career totals are nearly identical, marking his NHL transition.

Hailing from Halifax, NS, Melanson was drafted by Seattle in 2021 (5th round, 131st overall). He showed resilience, returning quickly after the poke and winning the later fight.

No injuries reported from the incident. His emergence adds depth to the Kraken’s forward group.

Changes at NHL Department of Player Safety

The fine was handed down by George Parros’ Department of Player Safety, which recently assumed full control of in-arena disciplinary calls—previously split with hockey operations. ESPN

Parros, a retired enforcer, leads efforts to standardize rulings. This poke case exemplifies their focus on bench infractions.

Recent fines include similar amounts for slashes and gestures, like those to Nylander and Barzal. Consistency is key.

The $2,500 amount is standard for first offenses of this nature. Money supports player welfare funds.

Trade implications for Duhaime and the Capitals

Duhaime’s UFA status positions him as a trade chip ahead of the March 6 deadline. ESPN If Washington sells, contenders seeking toughness could target him.

His 58 PIM and fighting ability appeal to playoff-bound teams. Recent RMNB coverage notes his integration into the Caps’ bottom six. RMNB article.

Capitals’ standings play a role; a non-contender stance boosts deal likelihood.

Physical players like Duhaime remain valuable despite fines.

This incident, while minor, reminds enforcers of league scrutiny.

The fine serves as a warning in an era of tighter bench discipline. For Duhaime, staying penalty-free could enhance trade value as the deadline nears. Expect more physicality from him, but within bounds, as playoffs loom. What it means for Washington: potential asset flip or retention for grit.