Leafs forward Leo Komarov was ejected from Thursday’s game against the Rangers after he delivered a hit to the head of defenseman Ryan McDonagh.
On Friday, the NHL’s Department of Player Safety confirmed that Komarov will have a hearing for the hit.
ESPN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun notes that it will be a phone hearing, which usually means that the player will receive a suspension of five games or less.
Toronto's Leo Komarov will have a hearing today for elbowing/illegal check to the head on NY Rangers' Ryan McDonagh.
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) February 19, 2016
Komarov's phone hearing with NHL Player Safety set for 1:30 pm ET today
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) February 19, 2016
Komarov has never been suspended, but that could change in the very near future.
The hearing is scheduled for 1:30 pm ET.
McDonagh left the game and did not return.
It’s a tough blow for the player and his team.
McDonagh missed four games between Feb. 8 and Feb. 14 because of a concussion he suffered against the Flyers on Feb. 6.