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NHL suspends Zary for dirty hit that injured Pettersson in Canucks-Flames game

Colton Pankiw
Colton Pankiw
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Mar 13 2025, 8:24 pm
NHL suspends Zary for dirty hit that injured Pettersson in Canucks-Flames game
Sportsnet

Calgary Flames forward Connor Zary will miss some time after a dangerous hit on Vancouver Canucks defenceman Elias Pettersson.

During the first period of a high-stakes game between the two rivals last night, Pettersson laid a monstrous open-ice hit on Nazem Kadri. Zary quickly jumped in to defend his teammate, delivering a high check to the back of Pettersson’s head.

After announcing earlier in the day that he would have a hearing for the incident, the NHL’s Department of Player Safety (DoPS) has announced that Zary will be suspended for two games.

“Flames forward Connor Zary was penalized for extending his elbow to deliver a late, high, retaliatory hit against Canucks defenceman Elias Pettersson,” the video provided by the NHL’s DoPS explains. “After the hit [on Kadri] and disregarding the rest of the play, Zary tracks Pettersson, raises his elbow and forearm, and elevates upward into a check, striking Pettersson with the extended arm and making significant contact with Pettersson’s head. This is elbowing.

“On this play, Zary sees a teammate take a hard, but legal check, and responds intentionally in retribution by delivering a hit with his extended elbow that makes significant head contact and is delivered with requisite force for supplemental discipline.”

Pettersson was able to remain in the game for some time afterward but never returned to action after the second intermission. Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet said afterward that the medical staff was still evaluating him. The 21-year-old has averaged 12:31 minutes of ice time in the 15 games he’s suited up for this season while also chipping in with two assists.

Though the result of his own recklessness, the suspension is a tough blow for Zary, who was doing his best to get his feet back under him in what was his ninth game back following an extended break due to a knee injury. The 23-year-old has suited up for 49 contests this season, scoring 12 goals and 24 points.

Zary will miss Friday’s outing versus the Colorado Avalanche as well as Monday’s matchup against the Toronto Maple Leafs. He will be eligible to return on Tuesday against the New Jersey Devils.

Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and based on his average salary, Zary will forfeit $8,993.06.

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