I think in an instance like this, the offending player should keep playing, but be fined 95% of his salary for every game the other player is out. With the money going to the injured player. If the injured guy is a high salary guy and the offender not, I think the offenders club should make up the difference. If the injured player will not return to play again, I think the offender shouldn't either. Fair is fair. I think that should apply to stupidity as well as intent.
Saw someone tonight in red jersey, cant remember what game it was, maybe Hurricanes or Coyotes, anyway...the guy tried to hook another player. He flipped his stick around and just swung it at the other guy...up high. He ended up hitting the other player in the helmet just behind the eye. He could've seriously injured that fella being stupid like that.