Dallas forward Ryan Garbutt has been suspended three games for slew-footing Winnipeg’s Dustin Byfuglien, the NHL announced on Thursday.
“The risk of serious injury to the defenseless opponent is heightened significantly, and the offense [slew-footing] can merit supplemental discipline,” the Department of Player Safety explained. “In this case, Garbutt kicks and drives with such force that he lifts the much-larger Byfuglien completely off his feet, causing him to slam dangerously to the ice on his back.”
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As stated, Garbutt’s history as a repeat offender played a role in this suspension. He was suspended (for charging) and fined (for spearing) last season and, last month, got a two-game ban for kneeing Edmonton’s Taylor Hall.
Garbutt will forfeit $65,853.66 in salary to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund, and sit out Dallas’ next three games against New Jersey, Vancouver and Calgary. He’s eligible to return on Sunday, Dec. 21 for a tilt in Edmonton.