Pending first suspension for the 2025-26 season!

New York Islanders’ Jonathan Drouin might have scored the first goal of the season for the franchise on Thursday night in their home opener, he’s also gotten him into trouble.

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. 

This led to today’s decision by the NHL, calling him in for a hearing that is expected to lead to a suspension.

While this is expected to be the first suspension of the season, 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.

Now we just have to wait until later to find out how many games Drouin will have to sit out for his cross-check to the face of Dewar.

Later on Friday, the NHL issued its first suspension of the season, punishing Drouin for his actions.