NHL comes down hard on former Avalanche superstar for reckless play
Photo credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
The NHL has issued a one-game suspension to former Colorado Avalanche star Jonathan Drouin following a vicious cross-check that occurred during recent game action.
The league cited the dangerous nature of the play in announcing the punishment, marking a brief but notable setback for the skilled forward.
NHL suspends Jonathan Drouin for vicious cross-check.
Sportsnet reports that the NHL Department of Player Safety announced Friday that the 30-year-old forward has been suspended one game for cross-checking Pittsburgh Penguins forward Connor Dewar during Thursday's matchup.
The incident occurred in the final seconds of regulation when Drouin delivered a cross-check to Dewar's head amid a net-front scrum with just 14 seconds remaining.
He was handed a major penalty and a game misconduct for the infraction.
Earlier in the game, Drouin notched his first goal as a member of the Islanders, finishing off a crisp setup from rookie Matthew Scaefer.
"The DoPS cited that there is "no hockey purpose" for the blow, and despite Drouin's assertion that it was unintentional, "players are responsible for their sticks at all times."
This is Drouin's first career suspension in the league. He will miss the Islanders' home opener Saturday night against Washington. He'll forfeit $20,833 in salary, with the money going to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund." -Sportsnet
This is Drouin's first career suspension in the league. He will miss the Islanders' home opener Saturday night against Washington. He'll forfeit $20,833 in salary, with the money going to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund." -Sportsnet
Over 12 NHL season, Drouin has been fined only once for cross-checking in 608 career games.
Over that span, he's recorded 108 goals and 267 assists while playing for the Islanders, Avalanche, Canadiens, and Lightning.
Despite the brief suspension, Drouin's track record suggests this incident is more an anomaly than a reflection of his overall play.
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