NEW YORK (Jan. 2, 2022) – Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett has been suspended for three games, without pay, for an illegal check to the head of Montreal Canadiens forward Cedric Paquette during NHL Game No. 568 in Florida on Saturday, Jan. 1, the National Hockey League’s Department of Player Safety announced today.

The incident occurred at 3:09 of the first period.

Bennett is considered a repeat offender under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and, based on his average annual salary, will forfeit $161,890.23. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

For a full explanation of the decision, complete with video, please click on the following link: https://www.nhl.com/video/bennett-suspended-three-games/t-277440360/c-10083293.

COURTESY NHLmedia.com