Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

NHL Announces First Player Punishment Three Days Into Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Oct 11, 2025 12:15 PM ET

The NHL handed out its first suspension of the 2025–26 season on Friday, just three days after the regular season began.

New York Islanders forward Jonathan Drouin was suspended one game for cross-checking Pittsburgh Penguins forward Connor Dewar late in Thursday night’s contest at UBS Arena.

The incident occurred with less than 15 seconds left in regulation. After a whistle, Drouin delivered a retaliatory high cross-check to Dewar’s face, earning a five-minute major and an ejection via game misconduct.

In its official video explanation, the Department of Player Safety stated there was “no hockey purpose” for Drouin’s actions, emphasizing that “players are responsible for their sticks at all times.”

NY Islanders’ Jonathan Drouin has been suspended for one game for cross-checking Pittsburgh’s Connor Dewar. https://t.co/3rcDFarEdk
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) October 10, 2025

It was an eventful Islanders debut for the 30-year-old winger, who scored the team’s first goal of the season before being ejected, assisted by none other than 2025 No. 1 overall pick Matthew Schaefer.

Drouin, who signed a two-year, $8 million contract with New York in July, will forfeit $20,833 in salary as part of the suspension. The league confirmed that the forfeited amount will go to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

This is Drouin’s first career suspension in the NHL, though he was fined $5,000 in 2022 for cross-checking Dallas Stars forward Tyler Seguin.

New York Islanders left wing Jonathan Drouin (29) and Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang (58) fight.Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The NHL's Department of Player Safety seems to be taking a firm stance on high cross-checks early this season, issuing its first disciplinary action before the league’s opening week concluded and just three days and 21 games into the regular season.

The punishment will cause Drouin to miss the Islanders’ home opener against the Washington Capitals on Saturday night.

Drouin is eligible to return Monday afternoon when the Islanders host the Winnipeg Jets at 1 p.m. ET.

Entering Saturday's contest, the Islanders are winless (0-1-0) after dropping their first and only game of the season to date agains the Penguins.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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