Hmmm, I disagree with the authorities getting involved...
Hockey's a violent game... I've been one who supports the fighting, and I think an incident like this (and the McSorely one) where the authorities take over is going to have an impact on how the NHL handles fighting overall.
I think it's inevitable that fighting will someday be banned... I'm an old-time purist that will be sad to see it go though. I think it's a part of the game, no matter how brutal it is.
And I agree, this wasn't as bad as it was blown up to be (and is still being touted as "horrific"), but it ended in a broken neck... I could see a year's suspension without pay, or worse... Not many teams are goiong to want him on their side either. He'll pay outside what punishment he would've gotten from the league anyway.
Criminal charges are unnecessary I believe...
I've had cheapshots taken at me, some of them pretty brutal in games, and I wouldn't want "criminal" charges filed. Just my shot back at him next time I saw him.