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NHL suspends Brad Stuart three games for hit to Rick Nash’s head

stuartgetty

The NHL decided to hand San Jose Sharks defenseman Brad Stuart a three-game suspension on Wednesday for a high hit on New York Rangers star winger Rick Nash from Tuesday.

Here’s the explanation video:

Shanahan’s description implies that the league has few problems with the hit, but drills him because there was contact to the head, Stuart seemingly angled upward to deliver the hit and Nash was injured.

OK, let’s face it; a huge part of the motivation was that Nash was the target. He’s been a huge asset for the Rangers and missed four games last season because of a concussion.

Stuart will be eligible to return to action for an Oct. 17 road game against the Dallas Stars. The suspension costs the 33-year-old blueliner $55,384.62.

This isn’t the first suspension of Stuart’s career, but it’s been long enough that he isn’t considered a repeat offender by the NHL’s standards. That doesn’t mean he’s been shy about delivering huge checks, though.

Follow James O’Brien @cyclelikesedins