Blue Jackets defenseman Jack Johnson has been suspended three games for delivering an illegal check to the head of Hurricanes forward Jiri Tlusty on Tuesday.
The NHL’s Department of Player Safety ruled that, while the check was not late, Johnson “unnecessarily elevates into the hit” and causes Tlusty’s head to be “the main point of contact.”
The league also noted that Tlusty was “shaken up” on the play and did not return to the game, and that Johnson has neither been fined nor suspended during his career.
Per the CBA, Johnson will forfeit $70,276.50 of his salary.
An update on Tlusty:
Ron Francis says Jiri Tlusty a little better today. Will know more after 2nd round of tests tomorrow. JT hit in the head by Jack Johnson.
— Jeff Gravley (@JGravleySPORTS) November 5, 2014