The National Hockey League's Department of Player Safety announced on Sunday that Edmonton Oilers defenceman Markus Niemelainen has been fined $2,043.75 for cross-checking Winnipeg Jets forward Kristian Vesalainen.
The incident occurred during Saturday afternoon's game between Edmonton and Winnipeg. Vesalainen was skating towards the Oilers net, trying to get open to receive a pass, when Niemelainen cross-checks him in the face. Niemelainen was not assessed a penalty on the play.
Niemelainen, a native of Kuopio (Finland) has split his time this season between the Oilers and their AHL affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors. In 12 games with the Oilers, he has no points, while in 23 games with Bakersfield, the 23-year-old has tallied seven points.
markus niemelainen, once again, showing no regard for human life. pic.twitter.com/qJiHd1nfo1— zach laing (@zjlaing) February 19, 2022
Edmonton's Markus Niemelainen has been fined $2,043.75, the maximum allowable under the CBA, for Cross-checking Winnipeg's Kristian Vesalainen.— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) February 20, 2022
