Calgary Flames forward Matthew Tkachuk has been suspended by the National Hockey League’s Department of Player Safety for one game for unsportsmanlike conduct following Wednesday’s incident during the Flames game against the Detroit Red Wings.
Calgary’s Matthew Tkachuk suspended one game for unsportsmanlike conduct for his actions during Wednesday’s game against Detroit. https://t.co/PDAVVlpWJ1
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) November 18, 2017
Matthew Tkachuk Suspended One Game
The incident occurred late in the game on Wednesday when Detroit forward Luke Witkowski was ejected from the game for fighting. On his way to the tunnel to exit the game, Witkowski was speared in the legs by Tkachuk. Witkowski then proceeded to turn around, re-enter the ice, and retaliate, and a full-on brawl occurred. Witkowski was automatically suspended for ten games for the incident, and on Friday, the Department of Player Safety determined that Tkachuk would indeed be suspended too- but only for one game. “Players are not permitted to make intentional contact with an opponent who is off the playing surface, especially when it is intended to escalate a confrontation,” the Department of Player Safety explains in their decision. See the factors determining the decision below.
This marks the second time Tkachuk has been suspended. Last season, he was suspended for two games following a hit on Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty. As a result of this suspension, Tkachuk will miss Calgary’s game Saturday afternoon when the Flames travel to Philly to take on the Philadelphia Flyers. Tkachuk is eligible to return to the Flames line-up on Nov. 20 when they take on the Washington Capitals in Washington.
Career
Tkachuk, 19, is currently in his second season with the Flames, and his second season in the NHL. Last season, he skated in 76 games, tallying 13 goals and adding 35 assists for a total of 48 points. This season, he has played in 18 games, scoring four goals and notching nine helpers. In his career, he has played in 94 games with a grand total of 61 points (17 goals, 44 assists). Last season in the Flames playoff campaign, he played in all four games and recorded zero points.
As a result of the suspension, Tkachuk will forfeit $11,280.49 in salary.
GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 08: Matthew Tkachuk #19 of the Calgary Flames skates with the puck during the second period of the NHL game against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena on December 8, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
