Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

NHL Announces Player Suspensions After Saturday Incidents

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jan 5, 2026 4:25 AM ET

The NHL Department of Player Safety announced a pair of suspensions on Sunday stemming from two different incidents that happened during Saturday’s slate of games.

Calgary Flames forward John Beecher and Winnipeg Jets defenseman Logan Stanley were both handed one-game suspensions for separate incidents involving unsportsmanlike punches during on-ice altercations.

Beecher’s suspension comes after a first-period scrum in Calgary’s 4–3 loss to the Nashville Predators. Beecher delivered a sucker punch that dropped the Predators' Michael McCarron to the ice when the scuffle appeared to be dying down.

Both players received roughing minors and 10-minute misconducts, but Beecher faced no additional penalty during the game.

Calgary’s John Beecher has been suspended for one game for roughing Nashville’s Michael McCarron. https://t.co/5l7EcKoJlI
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) January 4, 2026

The NHL cited the reckless nature of the punch in explaining its decision, but noted Beecher’s clean disciplinary record as the reason for limiting the suspension to just one game.

The Flames forward later fought Nic Hague in the second period, and finished the game with no points but 17 penalties in minutes over 3:06 of ice time.

Beecher has two assists and one goal in 25 games this season, two of those points scored while playing for the Flames after Calgary claimed him off waivers from the Boston Bruins.

Winnipeg’s Logan Stanley has been suspended for one game for roughing Ottawa’s Brady Tkachuk. https://t.co/oBpWi4FMdP
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) January 4, 2026

In Winnipeg, Stanley was suspended for a second-period incident involving Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk during the Jets’ 4–2 loss.

The Jets defenseman dropped his gloves and punched Tkachuk in the face near the Senators' bench, knocking him down before officials could fully intervene.

Stanley was assessed a double minor for roughing, including one for removing Tkachuk’s helmet. Tkachuk was given a 10-minute misconduct for his reaction to the whole fracas.

Winnipeg Jets defenseman Logan Stanley (64) takes down Ottawa Senators defenseman Thomas Chabot (72).Marc DesRosiers-IMAGN Images

Like Beecher, Stanley had no prior suspensions or fines, which helped his case for receiving a short, one-game suspension. Stanley already has a career-best seven goals and 13 points this season.

The Jets have lost nine straight games and will face the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday at 8:00 p.m. ET.

The Flames are seventh in the Pacific Division and will host the Seattle Kraken on Monday night at 9:30 p.m. ET.

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

More must-reads: