The NHL has announced its punishment for Nazem Kadri, suspending the Toronto center three games for “recklessly” colliding with Wild goalie Niklas Backstrom last night in Minnesota.
According to league disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan, Kadri delivered a “forceful blow to the head that caused injury.”
In making his decision, Shanahan deemed that Kadri could have avoided contact with Backstrom, though it was noted the league does not believe it was “an intentional act.”
In December of 2011, then-Nashville forward Jordin Tootoo was suspended two games for running Buffalo Ryan Miller.
Why did Kadri get three games after Tootoo only got two? Possibly because Backstrom was hurt and Miller was not. Though, on the other hand, Tootoo had a disciplinary history prior to the Miller incident and, until today, Kadri did not.
Agree or disagree, the Kadri suspension comes at a bad time for the Leafs, who are already without injured centers Tyler Bozak and Dave Bolland.
Per the CBA, Kadri will forfeit $44,615.37, with the money going to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
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