L.A Kings forward Brendan Lemieux is facing a lengthy suspension. The NHL’s Department of Player Safety announced that Lemieux has been offered an in-person hearing via Zoom in response to allegedly biting Ottawa Senators’ captain Brady Tkachuk. No date for the hearing is currently set.
Los Angeles’ Brendan Lemieux has been offered an in-person hearing via Zoom for Biting Ottawa’s Brady Tkachuk. Date and time TBD.
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) November 28, 2021
Brendan Lemieux Facing Suspension
While in a scrum with Brady Tkachuk, Lemieux allegedly bit his hand in last night’s 4-2 victory against the Senators. Tkachuk was seen with blood on his hand while mouthing to officials that Lemieux bit him. At the time of the incident, Lemieux was given a match penalty and was ejected from the game. The invitation of an in-person hearing opens up the possibility of a suspension of over five games. This would not be the first time that the physical winger has been suspended. Lemieux was previously suspended during an exhibition game in the 2020 bubble with the New York Rangers. He was given two games for interference and missed the start of the Rangers’ series with the Hurricanes.
Lemieux was traded from the Rangers to the Kings last offseason for a fourth round pick. So far, Lemieux has been a staple on the King’s fourth line this season, producing four goals and five points through 14 games. The 25-year old is known for his physicality and all-around game, and has already amassed 32 penalty minutes so far.
Impact on the Team
With Lemieux likely to be suspended for at least a few games, the Kings will need to replace a valuable part of their fourth line for the foreseeable future.
The team has not been playing well of late, snapping a five game losing streak with their win against the Senators last night. They currently sit sixth in the Pacific Division with a record of 9-8-3. They look to get back on track on Tuesday against the Anaheim Ducks, presumably without Lemieux.
