After a hearing that took place on Friday, the NHL has suspended Chicago Blackhawks' defenseman six games for ""dangerously and violently" swinging his stick and hitting Wild C Charlie Coyle in the face. The incident took place during Tuesday night's game. The suspension will include the final five regular season games, as well as the first playoff game.
Keith will forfeit $148,883.35 based on his annual salary under the new collective bargaining agreement. The team is not fighting this decision against the Conn Smythe award winner, as head coach Joe Quenneville stated "we're respectful for their decision there" after Friday's overtime win.
The Blackhawks' defenseman received a match penalty for swinging his stick and hitting Coyle on the bridge of the nose after getting knocked to the ice. Coyle required medical attention, but returned to the game.
The league released a video to announce their decision on Friday, calling Keith's actions "an intentional and retaliatory act of violence by a player with a history of using his stick as a weapon."
This is the third time Keith has been suspended, and first since the 2013 playoffs for hitting Kings' forward Jeff Carter in the face. He could appeal this suspension, but it is unknown how long the process would take.
Keith will forfeit $148,883.35 based on his annual salary under the new collective bargaining agreement. The team is not fighting this decision against the Conn Smythe award winner, as head coach Joe Quenneville stated "we're respectful for their decision there" after Friday's overtime win.
The Blackhawks' defenseman received a match penalty for swinging his stick and hitting Coyle on the bridge of the nose after getting knocked to the ice. Coyle required medical attention, but returned to the game.
The league released a video to announce their decision on Friday, calling Keith's actions "an intentional and retaliatory act of violence by a player with a history of using his stick as a weapon."
This is the third time Keith has been suspended, and first since the 2013 playoffs for hitting Kings' forward Jeff Carter in the face. He could appeal this suspension, but it is unknown how long the process would take.
