The Department of Player Safety has handed Jets defenseman Brenden Dillon a three-game penalty for an illegal check to the head, following a phone hearing with him earlier today. A match penalty was called on the play that happened early in the second period of Tuesday night’s game against Pittsburgh’s Noel Acciari. Acciari departed the game and hasn’t been seen since. The extent of his injuries is yet unknown.
According to the Department’s video ruling, Dillon’s hit met all requirements listed in Rule 48 for an unlawful check to the head. The head was the main point of impact, but the strike itself might have been avoided, which is why it was suspended.
Dillon has been suspended twice in his career; the first time was for one game due to cutting back in 2017.
Dillon’s suspension means he won’t be in Winnipeg’s starting lineup until their game against Vancouver on February 17. His salary of just under $61K will be forfeited, with the proceeds going to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
