The NHL’s Department of Player Safety has suspended Toronto Maple Leafs forward Nazem Kadri for the remainder of the first-round series between Toronto and the Boston Bruins, after his cross-check to the face of Bruins winger Jake DeBrusk in Game 2 on Saturday. That means a maximum five-game ban for Kadri.
Kadri was suspended three games in the 2018 first-round playoff series for charging and delivering a blow to the head of Boston forward Tommy Wingels. The NHL cited a similar incident involving Kadri and the Detroit Red Wings’ Luke Glendening in 2016 that also earned Kadri a suspension. The latest incident occurred during the third period Saturday. Kadri has the right to appeal through the NHL Players’ Association to NHL commissioner Gary Bettman.
Kadri had 16 goals and 28 assists in 73 games for the Leafs this season, following consecutive seasons of 32 goals. He plays a valuable third-line role for Toronto.
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