NY Islanders forward Jonathan Drouin will miss home opener following suspension

The NHL’s Department of Player Safety announced Friday that New York Islanders forward Jonathan Drouin has been suspended one game without pay for cross-checking Pittsburgh Penguins forward Connor Dewar late in Thursday night’s 4-3 loss at PPG Paints Arena.

The incident occurred with just 15 seconds remaining in regulation as the Islanders pressed for the tying goal. Both players were battling in front of the Penguins’ net when tensions boiled over.

“Drouin and Dewar come together and exchange light stick work, with Drouin slashing Dewar and Dewar shoving Drouin in return,” the league explained in its video ruling. “Then Drouin raises his stick with both hands and delivers a high, forceful blow with the stick that makes direct contact with Dewar’s head, causing him to fall to the ice.”

Drouin was assessed a major penalty and game misconduct for the infraction at 19:45 of the third period. The NHL subsequently determined the cross-check warranted supplemental discipline.

As a result of the suspension, Drouin will forfeit $20,833.33 in salary, which will be directed to the league’s Player Emergency Assistance Fund. While this marks the first suspension of Drouin’s NHL career, the 30-year-old forward previously received a $5,000 fine for a separate cross-checking incident in January 2022 while with the Montreal Canadiens.

The Islanders, now 0-1-0, return to action Saturday night when they host the Washington Capitals in their home opener at UBS Arena. Drouin will serve his suspension during that contest and be eligible to return when the team continues its homestand next week.

The league’s disciplinary action underscores its ongoing emphasis on eliminating stick-related infractions and protecting player safety, particularly in net-front battles late in games.