Former Maple Leafs Forward Scott Sabourin Suspended 4 Games
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
The NHL Player Safety Department handed out some punishment to Tampa Bay forward Scott Sabourin after his sucker punch on Aaron Ekblad during the preseason.
With the preseason game (or boxing match depending on how you wanna look at it) between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers done and settled with, only a couple of players walked away with fines, however other actions were going to warrant extra attention.
It seems the Player Safety Department decided that extra punishment was needed for Tampa Bay Lightning forward Scott Sabourin after he sucker punched Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad; who left the game.
The league cited rule 18.2 of the CBA as their reasoning behind the infraction, and explained the reasoning why Sabourin's actions warranted a four-game ban:
Ekblad to the ice. As Ekblad gets to his feet, Sabourin makes no effort to locate the puck or return to the play, and instead engages Ekblad with a high shove.
He then immediately goes after Ekblad again dropping his gloves and stick, grabbing Ekblad and delivering aforceful, ungloved punch directly to Ekblad's face that causes him to fall back on the ice.
He then immediately goes after Ekblad again dropping his gloves and stick, grabbing Ekblad and delivering aforceful, ungloved punch directly to Ekblad's face that causes him to fall back on the ice.
It is the parties' intention to impose Supplementary Discipline for On-Ice
Conduct in a swift, effective and consistent manner with respect to conduct proscribed by League Playing Rules, including the use of excessive and unnecessary force and reckless acts resulting in injury.
Conduct in a swift, effective and consistent manner with respect to conduct proscribed by League Playing Rules, including the use of excessive and unnecessary force and reckless acts resulting in injury.
With Ekblad injured, the Lightning being dominated, and Sabourin's clear intent, the league had no choice but to give him a suspension.
Sabourin, 33, only played in one game last season for the San Jose Sharks, registering no points. He spent one season with the Maple Leafs, playing one game with zero points.
His best season came in his debut with Ottawa where he had six points (2 goals, 4 assists) in 35 games and has spent the majority of his career in the AHL.
Tampa Bay kicks off their season Thursday at home against Ottawa, meaning that Sabourin won't be available until October 17th's game against Detroit.
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 6 | 803 ANSWERS Former Maple Leafs Forward Scott Sabourin Suspended 4 Games Does Scott Sabourin deserve his suspension on Aaron Ekblad? | ||
| Yes | 562 | 70 % |
| No | 241 | 30 % |
| List of polls | ||
TRENDING NOW
