Los Angeles Kings defenceman Tom Gilbert has been suspended for three games, without pay, for boarding Anaheim Ducks forward Nick Ritchie, the NHL’s department of player safety announced Thursday.
During the second period of the Ducks’ 4-0 victory over the Kings Tuesday, Gilbert charged at Ritchie and made contact with his head.
Though the nasty contest featured 96 penalty minutes, Gilbert went unpenalized on the play. Ritchie left the ice to follow concussion protocol.
Based on his average annual salary, Gilbert will forfeit $23,333.34. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
The Kings recalled defenceman Kevin Gravel from AHL Ontario to fill his spot.
Ritchie has not returned to the ice since the hit and remains sidelined day-to-day with an upper-body injury.
