Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson will have a hearing with the NHL Department of Player Safety over the phone Monday for his hit on St. Louis Blues winger Ty Rattie in Saturday’s game.
Hjalmarsson could face a potential suspension of up to five games and a fine of more than $5,000, according to Chris Hine of the Chicago Tribune.
Hjalmarsson was given a match penalty for the hit, which came with 65 seconds remaining in regulation of the Hawks’ 4-0 victory over St. Louis. Due to the match penalty, the Swedish blue liner was ejected and suspended a game pending the NHL’s review.
Hjalmarsson hit. pic.twitter.com/EQB2iPtTYH
— Blackhawks Breakdown (@HawksBreakdown) October 2, 2016
The Hawks are expected to field a young lineup for their Sunday game in Detroit before most, if not all, of the regulars return to the ice for the final two preseason games.
Hjalmarsson has been suspended one time in his career. He received a two-game suspension for his hit on then-Buffalo Sabres forward Jason Pominville in October 2010.