The Colorado Avalanche are currently preparing to embark on a four-game Canadian road trip. For the first three of those contests, they will now need to prepare to face their foes without the services of their captain.
The NHL Department of Player Safety announced on Thursday that Avalanche forward Gabriel Landeskog has been suspended three games without pay for cross-checking Anaheim Ducks defenseman Simon Despres in the head. The incident in question occurred during the third period of Wednesday’s 3-0 victory.
“While we understand that his [Landeskog’s] explanation that he was not targeting his opponent’s head, players must be must be responsible for their stick,” said the NHL Department of Player Safety in a video explanation.
After the game, Avalanche head coach Patrick Roy said that while he didn’t see the hit, he didn’t believe it would merit supplemental discipline.
“There was no penalty on the play,” explained Roy. “I’d have to think it wasn’t that bad.”
Apparently, the league saw things differently. Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Landeskog is considered a repeat offender. He will forfeit $203,832.75 in salary, which will be placed in the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
Landeskog will be eligible to return on March 20, against the Edmonton Oilers.