Toronto Maple Leafs forward Zach Hyman has been suspended for two games for interference following his hit on Boston Bruins defenceman Charlie McAvoy, the NHL announced on Sunday. Hyman had a hearing with the NHL Department of Player Safety on Sunday before a decision was reached late in the afternoon.
The incident occurred on Saturday with 10:07 remaining during the Maple Leafs' eventual 6-3 loss to the Bruins. After McAvoy cleared the puck from behind his own goal line, Hyman hit the Bruins' defenceman and knocked him down to the ice.
Zach Hyman with a late hit on Charlie McAvoy. Matt Grzelcyk drops the gloves with Hyman seconds later. pic.twitter.com/qpxiHCGKRV
— Conor Ryan (@ConorRyan_93) December 9, 2018
Hyman received an interference penalty on the play as Bruins defenceman Matt Grzelcyk dropped the gloves and fought Hyman after the hit. McAvoy's health is a concern as Saturday was his second game back from a concussion injury that caused him to miss 20 games. McAvoy played in Boston's 2-1 win over the Ottawa Senators on Sunday.
In his fourth NHL season, Hyman, 26, has never been previously suspended. Hyman will forfeit $24,193.54 in salary. The money goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.