Canucks D Nikita Zadorov suspended 2 games

Field Level Media|published: Sun 11th February, 10:58 2024

Jan 22, 2024; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Nikita Zadorov (91) waves to the fans during warm up prior to a game against the Chicago Blackhawks at Rogers Arena. credits: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports

Vancouver Canucks defenseman Nikita Zadorov was suspended two games by the NHL for his illegal check to the head on Detroit Red Wings forward Lucas Raymond.

The league handed down the suspension on Saturday night, hours after the play occurred during the second period of the Canucks' 4-3 overtime loss in Detroit.

Zadorov was assessed a match penalty after he drove his elbow and shoulder into Raymond's head after the latter had surrendered the puck at the blue line. Raymond struggled to his feet and later returned to the game.

Zadorov, 28, has 10 points (one goal, nine assists) in 48 games split between the Calgary Flames and Canucks this season.

He has totaled 136 points and a plus-12 rating in 615 career games with the Buffalo Sabres, Colorado Avalanche, Chicago Blackhawks, Flames and Canucks. He was selected by the Sabres with the 16th overall pick of the 2013 NHL Draft.

—Field Level Media