Washington Capitals defenceman Dylan McIlrath has been suspended for two pre-season and two regular-season games for an illegal check to the head of Boston Bruins forward Steven Fogarty, the department of player safety announced Monday.
The incident occurred in the opening minute of the third period on Sunday as McIlrath caught Fogarty with a high hit. He was issued a five-minute major and a game misconduct. Fogarty did not return to the game for the Bruins.
The 29-year-old McIlrath signed as a free agent with the Capitals after spending last season in the AHL with the Grand Rapids Griffins. He has appeared in 66 NHL games over seven seasons with the New York Rangers, Florida Panthers and Detroit Red Wings.
McIlrath will forfeit $7,500 of his salary, which goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
