After holding a telephone hearing on Wednesday, the verdict is in: Detroit Red Wings forward Gustav Nyquist has been suspended six games for high-sticking Minnesota Wild defenseman Jared Spurgeon.
The NHL notes that Nyquist was clearly acting in retaliation to a cross-check to the back, though they buy his argument that he was swinging his stick to cross-check in return (thus allegedly high-sticking Spurgeon more dangerously in the face on accident).
The Detroit Free Press’ Helene St. James reports that the Red Wings will not attempt to appeal the suspension.
Two factors seemed to help his cause: Spurgeon seemingly avoided injury and Nyquist doesn’t have a disciplinary history. The suspension will cost Nyquist $158,333.34.
Here is the explanation video via the league:
Impacts for the Red Wings and Wild
MLive’s Ansar Khan notes that, with the bye week in mind, Nyquist is getting a pretty long unpaid vacation:
The 6-game ban means #RedWings Gustav Nyquist out until March 4 at Edmonton. Wings have bye week starting next Wednesday.
— Ansar Khan (@AnsarKhanMLive) February 15, 2017
Meanwhile, the Wild are relieved that Spurgeon is OK, as this decision might actually have some drawbacks in more practical terms:
Bottom line on any Nyquist suspension, it won't help #mnwild. 4 of Wings' next 7 vs. West playoff contenders. They're just thankful 46 is OK
— Michael Russo (@RussoHockey) February 15, 2017