NHL issues first suspension of the season!

Earlier on Friday, the NHL and its Departement of Player Safety announced that New York Islanders veteran forward Jonathan Drouin was going to have a hearing later today for his questionable cross-check to the face of Pittsburgh Penguins’ Connor Dewar.

At the very end of the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, losing 4-3, Drouin’s frustration took over as he cross-checked Connor Dewar in the face and ended up with a game misconduct. With just 15 seconds to go, Drouin hit Dewar up high with his stick.

The officials indicated a major penalty, and then confirmed a five-minute crosschecking penalty and a game misconduct.

Drouin had scored earlier in the game for the Islanders.

The decision came in hours later with the NHL suspending Drouin for one game for his actions.

This is officially the first ban of the 2025-26 campaign, though we had other suspensions earlier this month. A few days ago, the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers closed out the preseason with some drama of their own.

Bolts forwards Scott Sabourin was suspended four games, while J.J. Moser will sit for two for boarding. Roman Schmidt and Gage Goncalves were both fined for cross-checking. The NHL also issued fines to the Tampa Bay Lightning organization and head coach Jon Cooper. The Bolts were fined $100,000 and their bench boss $25,000 for “their actions culminating in the events” of Saturday’s game.