The NHL’s Department of Player Safety handed Anaheim Ducks center Trevor Zegras a three-game suspension for delivering a high hit to Detroit Red Wings center Michael Rasmussen.
During Sunday’s game, Rasmussen chipped the puck into the Ducks’ zone, and Zegras then made contact with Rasmussen’s head using his shoulder. Despite objections from Detroit’s bench and Red Wings coach Todd McLellan, Zegras was not penalized during the game.
In a video explanation, NHL Player Safety stated, “Zegras delivers a late, high hit that makes significant contact with Rasmussen’s head. He initiates the hit after Rasmussen has released the puck, and the contact occurs outside the legal window for a check.” The department also highlighted that the severity of the head contact and the force of the hit warranted supplemental discipline.
After the hit, Rasmussen was forced to leave the game and did not return, finishing with 8:02 of ice time. He had scored a power-play goal in the first period, marking his ninth goal of the season. The 25-year-old also has seven assists and 16 points for Detroit this season.
Red Wings coach Todd McLellan expressed concern after the game, stating, “When a player gets a hit to the head and doesn’t return, it is never a good sign.” However, he added that Rasmussen seemed “to be in fairly good spirits” after the game, following Detroit’s 5-4 overtime win.
Patrick Kane also weighed in, noting, “It seemed pretty high, especially for a guy that’s 6-foot-6,” in contrast to the 6-foot Zegras.
This suspension marks the first of Zegras’ NHL career, though the league had previously disciplined the 23-year-old. In November 2022, he was fined $1,500 for slashing defenseman Matt Benning.
Zegras has recorded seven goals and 16 points in 34 games this season, ranking 10th on the Ducks in both categories.