Detroit Red Wings forward David Perron was suspended six games for his cross-check of Ottawa Senators defenseman Artem Zub on Saturday, the NHL’s Department of Player Safety announced Monday.
Perron, 35, hit Zub in the side of the head seemingly in defense of his teammate Dylan Larkin, who took successive blows to the head and neck area from Ottawa forwards Mathieu Joseph and Parker Kelly that left Larkin motionless on the ice in the first period of Saturday’s game. When play was stopped, Perron saw Zub standing over Larkin’s body and cross-checked Zub in the head in response. Perron was ejected from the game with a match penalty for the hit for intent to injure.
As a result of his suspension, Perron will forfeit $148,437.48 of his salary to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
The left winger has seven goals and six assists in 26 games played this season.
The Red Wings are 14-8-4 and sit fourth in the Atlantic Division. Their next six games are against the Dallas Stars (Monday), St. Louis Blues (Tuesday), Carolina Hurricanes (Thursday), Philadelphia Flyers (Saturday), Anaheim Ducks (Dec. 18) and Winnipeg Jets (Dec. 20).
Why a six-game suspension for Perron?
According to the explanatory video released by NHL Player Safety, the reason for supplemental discipline on Perron’s cross-check on Zub (as opposed to a common cross-checking infraction) is that it was “not a hockey play.” Instead, it was “an intentional strike with a stick, made with the purpose of exacting retribution on an opponent.”
The video also notes “the brunt of the impact of this blow is clearly absorbed by Zub’s head due directly to the actions and choices made by Perron.” — Max Bultman, Red Wings staff writer
What is Larkin’s status?
After laying unconscious on the ice, Larkin was helped off by his teammates and did not return to the game. He was placed on injured reserve Monday, retroactive to Dec. 9. He is unavailable to return for at least a week by virtue of being on IR, but there is no current timeframe for his return. — Bultman
How will Perron’s absence affect the Red Wings?
Perron is a key contributor for Detroit, with 13 points in 26 games on the year. He plays on the team’s top power play unit, and is an alternate captain on the team. Losing him while already down Larkin will sting for the Red Wings, who are fighting to stay in a playoff spot.
They will especially miss him below the goal line in the offensive zone, where he is their most skilled puck protector. — Bultman
Required reading
- Dylan Larkin’s ‘scary’ exit overshadows Red Wings’ loss to Senators
(Photo: Tim Nwachukwu / Getty Images)
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