Canucks' Alexander Edler suspended two games for kneeing Toronto's Zach Hyman
The NHL's Department of Player Safety announced on Monday that Vancouver Canucks defenseman Alexander Edler has been suspended two games for kneeing Toronto Maple Leafs forward Zach Hyman halfway through the second period of Sunday's contest that Vancouver won 3-2:
It was the first time Vancouver played since March 24 following the worst COVID-19 outbreak endured by any club this season.
Per the collective bargaining agreement, Edler will forfeit $103,448.28. That money will go to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.
As noted by ESPN, Hyman left the matchup with an injury caused by the contact and did not return. Edler, meanwhile, will miss Tuesday's showdown with Toronto and Thursday's contest against the Ottawa Senators. He'll be eligible to return for Saturday's game against Ottawa.
"For me, those plays happen," Vancouver coach Travis Green told reporters on Sunday after the victory. "You don't like to see them. Eddy's a hard player, but he's not a dirty player. He doesn't try to hurt guys ever."
According to The Canadian Press (h/t Yahoo Sports), the Maple Leafs are hoping Hyman's knee injury isn't too serious.
"It was tough. He’s such a huge player for our team," Toronto's William Nylander added. "Hopefully he’ll be fine. It was a pretty dirty hit.
"He’s a leader on the ice and off the ice. ... The way he cares for other guys is incredible. He’s a huge part of this team."
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