The NHL has suspended Montreal Canadiens rookie forward Juraj Slafkovsky two games, boarding Detroit Red Wings forward Matt Luff.
The incident occurred in the third period of Montreal’s 3-2 shootout win at Detroit on Tuesday.
Slafkovsky, the first overall pick in the 2022 NHL draft, was assessed a major and game misconduct for driving Luff head-first into the boards with a check from behind.
Slafkovsky will forfeit US$10,270 in salary. He will miss Montreal’s game Wednesday night against visiting Vancouver and its game Saturday at home to Pittsburgh.
Slafkovsky is eligible to return when Montreal hosts New Jersey next Tuesday.