Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad missed Monday’s game, and perhaps that factored into the supplemental discipline handed out to Edmonton Oilers grinder Matt Hendricks.
The NHL’s Department of Player Safety decided to hand Hendricks a three-game suspension for the check.
Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and, based on his average annual salary, Hendricks will forfeit $29,838.72. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
You can see the full explanation in the video above, but long story short, the big three points were that it was a boarding hit, it caused an injury and Hendricks has no suspension history despite a pretty lengthy career as a gritty forward.
Judging by his earlier reaction, Hendricks probably does not agree with the decision. Where do you weigh in?