Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson had a phone hearing Monday with the NHL’s Department of Player Safety. The reason: A hit he laid on St. Louis’ Ty Rattie during Saturday’s preseason game between the teams.
The result: Hjalmarsson will miss the Blackhawks’ season opener against St. Louis, as well as the rest of the preseason. His official suspension is one regular-season game.
Hjalmarsson’s hit was shoulder to head or shoulder, depending on who you ask and how they view it. It was a high, hard hit that came toward the end of the game, and it probably wasn’t necessary.