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NHL fines Sharks’ Vlasic for Heatley slash -- but no suspension

San Jose Sharks v Columbus Blue Jackets

COLUMBUS, OH - JANUARY 14: Marc-Edouard Vlasic #44 of the San Jose Sharks tries to control the puck while playing the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena on January 14, 2012 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

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The National Hockey League’s Department of Player Safety has fined San Jose Sharks defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic $8,378.38 for this slash on Minnesota’s Dany Heatley on Wednesday:

Vlasic was given a five-minute major and game misconduct but, as per Kevin Kurz of CSNBayArea.com, argued that Heatley had it coming.

“If he’s going to slash me, I’m going to defend myself and just swing back, and unfortunately I got him,” Vlasic said. “I didn’t want to hurt him.

“If he’s going to slash me I was just defending myself, and swung back.”

Heatley appeared in significant pain following the incident and quickly skated off the ice.

According to Mike Russo of the Minnesota Star-Tribune, Wild GM Chuck Fletcher would only say that Heatley is “out” and that there’s no timeframe for return.

Elaborating (slightly) further, head coach Mike Yeo said Heatley would be out a while...and the Wild did call up Mikael Granlund from AHL Houston this afternoon.

Of note, Vlasic’s fine is his maximum allowable under the NHL’s collective bargaining agreement. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance fund.