Player ejected after brutal hit in the preseason on Sunday.

It didn't take long for the National Hockey League preseason to turn ugly.

During a preseason clash between the New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils on Sunday afternoon, Rangers forward Brennan Othmann leveled Devils defenseman Calen Addison with a nasty-looking hit.

Othmann, the Rangers first round pick (16th overall) at the 2021 NHL Entry Draft was likely trying to establish himself as a physical presence for the Rangers but unfortunately took things too far. The hit would catch Addison, a Devils 2nd round pick (53rd overall) from the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, up high and clearly left him feeling a little off balance after the blow.

It also looked from one angle that Othmann's elbow came up on the follow through which also didn't paint this hit in the best light.

It was enough for the officials on the ice to give Othmann a 5 minute major as well as a game misconduct, tossing him from the game for his hit on Addison.

Unfortunately for the Devils Addison would also leave the game, although in his case he retreated to the locker room to get looked over by medical professionals. Addison's head seemed to absorb the majority of the impact so I wouldn't be surprised if this hit results in an injury for the 25 year old defenseman.

A tough way to start the preseason for both teams, but especially for Calen Addison who's preparations for the season may have just been completely derailed through no fault of his own.