Rangers defenseman K'Andre Miller has been suspended three games for "unsportsmanlike conduct" against Kings defenseman Drew Doughty.
Miller was kicked out of the Rangers game on Sunday. He received a hearing from the NHL Department of Player Safety before discipline was handed out.
He also received a $15,000 fine. It is the first time he has been punished by the Department of Player Safety in his three-year career.
The defenseman took to Twitter to apologize on Monday, saying that it was "completely accidental."
— K'Andre Miller (@kandre_miller) February 27, 2023
"I wanted to take a moment to address what occurred in last night's game," Miller said. "I have all the respect in the world for Drew Doughty and what happened was completely accidental.
I would never intend to do something like that on purpose, it goes against everything I am as a person and player. I felt awful about it and I am thankful Drew gave me the opportunity to apologize and explain myself in person after the game."
Miller, 23, has played in 60 games this year for the Rangers. He has six goals and 24 assists in his third season with the club. His 30 points are second among all Rangers defensemen.
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What did K'Andre Miller do to get suspended?
Miller was suspended as a result of a play from the Feb. 26 contest against the Kings. During a post-whistle scrum, Miller appeared to inadvertently spit in the direction of Doughty.
K'Andre Miller has been awarded a match penalty for spitting on Drew Doughty. pic.twitter.com/bNY5fp63Tx
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) February 26, 2023
After the officials went to video review, they handed Miller a match penalty, which ended his night. He was the lone player to be penalized on the play.
When can K'Andre Miller return to the lineup?
Miller is going to miss the next three games for New York. He is unable to play against the Flyers on Feb. 29, the Senators on March 2 or the Bruins on March 4.
He is eligible to return to the Rangers' lineup for their contest against the Canadiens on Thursday, March 9.
K'Andre Miller suspension history
Miller has never been disciplined by the Department of Player Safety previously.
This is the first time he has been suspended in his NHL career, and first time he has been fined.
