The Hurricanes established a Leadership award for someone who died driving drunk. Dany Heatley killed a teammate in another accident involving alcohol but was cheered by OTT fans (until he asked for a trade). Craig MacTavish killed a woman in a DUI and is revered as one of the top coaches in EDM history. Mike Danton went to prison for conspiracy to commit murder, then went to Sweden upon his release and was named team captain. Patrick Kane beat a cabbie up for 20 cents, and is a hero in Chicago.
We could take solace that the incidents like these in hockey trail other sports significantly. Fans hold NHL players to a high code of behavior, and generally, they oblige. But sometimes people do stupid things. TDA did something stupid. But he didn't kill, maim, physically injure anyone.
Is it possible he is truly interested in showing he can change? Absolutely. Is there a risk he will do or say something stupid in the future? Sure. But no one knows until it happens (or doesn't). I'm all for giving TDA and the Canes a chance to prove everyone wrong, but also know enough to understand the difference between a TDA "relapse" will still be 100% on TDA - the Canes aren't enabling his past behavior, they aren't condoning it, but also aren't just letting to go, I don't believe. But TDA's future is up to TDA. Canes might be guilty of a questionable decision, and that's what they will have to deal with, but that's it. Hoping it works out for everyone - TDA, Canes, Caniacs, NHL, NHL fans, everyone.