Mike Matheson spoke to reporters Wednesday for the first time since his hit Oct. 13 on Vancouver Canucks rookie Elias Pettersson. The Florida Panthers defenseman was suspended for two games by the NHL's Department of Player Safety for interference/unsportsmanlike conduct.
"I've watched the clip numerous times and I definitely understand what they saw and why they thought it was worth two games . . . but it wasn't my intent," said Matheson. "I see why people think it was malicious and deserving of [a] suspension. I see that point of view. But I know how I was feeling in the moment and it wasn't that."
Elias Pettersson goes down hard. Shaken up on the play and has left the game. #Canucks pic.twitter.com/5CIiNIeMky
— /Cam Robinson/ (@Hockey_Robinson) October 14, 2018
The play has sparked controversy around the NHL as to whether it was a dirty hit and warranted the suspension. Canucks head coach Travis Green was adamant following the game that it was a dirty hit.
According to Matheson, he was just trying to stay with his man.
“He's a skilled player," noted Matheson. "He makes good plays. When you're in a battle with someone, you want to play them hard and make sure they can't beat you back to the net. There was no point in my frame of mind where I was thinking, 'I got to injure this guy.'"
"I know deep down there was no frustration from me when it happened."
.@FlaPanthers defenseman Michael Matheson reflects on his two-game suspension, saying that he knows there was no intent to injure Elias Pettersson, but that he understands the #NHL takes player safety seriously. #FlaPanthers #OneTerritory pic.twitter.com/5ki5ElhWMf
— FOX Sports Florida (@FOXSportsFL) October 17, 2018
MORE: Elias Pettersson out 7-10 days
Matheson did speak with Pettersson, who suffered a concussion on the play.
“First thing I thought of is whether he is OK," he noted. "That was my main concern. Still is. I reached out to him to [apologize] and see how he's doing. It sounds like he's been doing better the last few days and that's great to hear."
The 24-year-old had never been suspended before. He will forfeit $52,419.36 in salary. He is eligible to return to the Panthers' lineup Saturday against the Detroit Red Wings.