Islanders’ Newcomer Earns NHL’s First Suspension Of Year In First Game With Team

Some debut it was for New York Islanders‘ twelfth-year winger Jonathan Drouin. In his very first game after signing a two-year, eight million dollar contract with the Isles, the left winger picked up a five minute game misconduct for a cross check delivered to the face of Pittsburgh Penguins’ Connor Dewar.

This came just minutes after Drouin made his presence felt by scoring the team’s first goal of the season.

“The DoPS cited that there is ‘no hockey purpose’ for the blow, and despite Drouin’s assertion that it was unintentional, ‘players are responsible for their sticks at all times,’” reads an article published by Sportsnet.

The suspension will span only one game but serves as the first punishment handed out by the league this year. Congratulations Jonathan Drouin!


Jonathan Drouin’s First Career Suspension

The thirty-year-old skater is no stranger to the National Hockey League. But he is a stranger to suspensions. In his twelve NHL season’s this marks the first time he has ever received a disciplinary action of this nature.

“This is Drouin’s first career suspension in the league,” the SN article continued. “He will miss the Islanders’ home opener Saturday night against Washington. He’ll forfeit $20,833 in salary, with the money going to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.”

Again, the numbers favor Drouin’s argument, making this seem like a critical error as opposed to an indictment of character.

“Over 12 NHL seasons, Drouin has been fined just once for cross-checking in 608 games. He’s totaled 108 goals and 267 assists between the Islanders, Avalanche, Canadiens and Lightning.”

Drouin will be back Monday afternoon when the Islanders host the Winnipeg Jets for a 1:00 PM EST puck drop on Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

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This article was originally published on Heavy Sports

The post Islanders’ Newcomer Earns NHL’s First Suspension Of Year In First Game With Team appeared first on Heavy Sports.

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