Aaron Dell's hit on Drake Batherson has landed the Buffalo Sabres goaltender a multi-game suspension. The NHL's Department of PLayer Safety has announced Dell will sit for three games for his actions during a match with the Ottawa Senators Tuesday night.
You can view the full ruling from DoPs below. However, Player Safety said in the video that this isn't a mere collision, but an actual body check from the goalie, as Dell took an active step into Batherson. It added that Batherson isn't eligible to be hit here by anyone on the ice as he doesn't have the puck.
This is Dell's first suspension, and the first for an NHL goalie since the 2007 playoffs when Jamie McLennan of the Calgary Flames received five games for slashing Johan Franzen of the Detroit Red Wings.
Batherson is out "long-term" with an ankle injury. Teammate Brady Tkachuk will take over his spot at the NHL's All-Star Game.
