It's almost like the league had rushed the suspension as well. Typically with these types of incidents, it's several hours, even a day before the Department of Player Safety offers a player a hearing or issues a fine. In Matthews' case, almost immediately following the final horn at the Heritage Classic, TSN's Chris Johnston had reported on Twitter that the league was looking at the cross check to Dahlin. it was announced not long after that Matthews would have a hearing for the play.
I don't think it's a reach to suggest that the Head of the Department of Player Safety, George Parros, has a vendetta against the Leafs from his playing days with the Montreal Canadiens. I think we're long past due the point where a new mind is needed in that role. I just don't think a former player with their potential biases is right for the position - especially a former enforcer who certainly had a hard time following the rules when he played. A neutral third party is the answer here. A governing body with no skin in the game.