The NHL’s Department of Player Safety has come down on San Jose tough guy Micheal Haley.
On Monday, Haley was suspended one game for roughing Predators forward Calle Jarnkrok, near the end of Nashville’s 7-2 win over the Sharks on Saturday.
“Haley forcefully punches a player who is off balance, not engaged in the confrontation and not even looking when the punch is thrown,” the DoPS explained, via video. “This is a forceful punch on an opponent who is not able to defend himself at the time.”
The DoPS did acknowledge Jarnkrok’s hit on Haley that preceded the punch -- Jarnkrok was given a boarding minor on the play -- and also noted that Haley explained he was seeking retribution for said hit.
In addition, the DoPS acknowledged this was Haley’s first offense.
As a result of the suspension, Haley will now miss San Jose’s next game -- tomorrow at home against the Rangers -- and will be eligible to return on Thursday, when the Sharks take on the Oilers in Edmonton.
Haley will also forfeit $3,472.22 in salary to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.