Judging by the empty seats in the arena, the owners are probably desperate for attention; gladiatorial violence is the lowest common denominator of public amusements.
The potential of a fight and the occasional toe-to-toe slugfest keeps chippy play to a minimum in this fast dangerous game. Otoh, dropping the gloves several times a game destroys the flow of the match. The NHL has a good balance these days.
I prefer the hockey of today, where skilled players vastly outnumber the goons.
If I wanted to watch a fight, I’d turn on MMA.