Paul Cotter`s regular season has concluded prematurely.
The New Jersey Devils center has been suspended for two games by the NHL`s Department of Player Safety. The suspension, announced on Monday, is a result of an illegal check to the head on Adam Pelech of the New York Islanders, which occurred on Sunday.
With only two games remaining in the Devils` schedule, this suspension effectively ends Cotter`s season.
During Sunday`s game, Cotter was assessed a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct. This penalty came after Cotter collided with Pelech, who was in the process of dumping the puck into the Islanders` offensive zone.
Pelech sustained a cut and was bleeding as a result of the hit. He left the game, expressing his displeasure towards Cotter, and did not return.
Following the game, Islanders head coach Patrick Roy commented on the incident, stating, `that`s the kind of hit we don`t love to see.` However, he did not provide a specific update on Pelech`s condition.
This marks the first disciplinary action in Cotter`s four-year NHL career, spanning 271 games. This is his first season playing for New Jersey.