NEW YORK (AP) — Detroit Red Wings rookie defenseman Brendan Smith has been suspended for the first five regular-season games for an illegal hit to the head of Chicago forward Ben Smith.
The NHL said Friday that Brendan Smith would also miss the last three games of the preseason and forfeit $23,648 in salary.
His shoulder struck Ben Smith in the head in the third period of Wednesday’s exhibition, knocking him out of the game. Brendan Smith received a match penalty.
Brendan Smith, a first-round pick in 2007 who joined Detroit’s AHL affiliate last season, will have his NHL regular-season debut pushed back until at least Oct. 22 against the Capitals. Ben Smith had three goals in seven playoff games for the Blackhawks last season.
