Toronto Maple Leafs forward Leo Komarov has been suspended three games without pay for elbowing New York Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh in the head in Thursday night's game, the NHL announced Friday.
The suspension was announced after the league held a hearing with Komarov on Friday.
Komarov, the Maple Leafs' leading scorer, received a match penalty for the illegal check and was ejected from the game. The incident occurred late in the first period.
McDonagh, who was playing in only his second game after missing four games because of a concussion, returned to the bench and was attended to by trainers but did not return for the start of the second period. He sat out the rest of the game as a precaution.
"We all saw the hit,'' Rangers coach Alain Vigneault said Thursday night. "I'm going to let the league decide on it."
Vigneault did not have an update on McDonagh's condition after the game.
Komarov's match penalty, which indicates an intent to injure, subjected him to suspension pending a review by the league.
As a result of the suspension, Komarov will forfeit $47,580.66 under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.
Komarov leads the Leafs in points (35) and goals (18).
