The NHL’s Department of Player Safety announced that Winnipeg Jets defenseman Brenden Dillon has been suspended three games for an illegal check to the head. Dillon, who had a phone hearing with the league on Wednesday, committed the infraction against Pittsburgh Penguins forward Noel Acciari.
The former Capitals defenseman nailed Acciari with a blatant hit to the head along the boards in Pittsburgh’s 3-0 win over the Jets on Tuesday. Acciari, who was stunned by the hit and needed help off of the ice, was taken out of the game and did not return.
The incident in question occurred at the 15:45 mark of the game’s second period. Dillon was assessed a match penalty for the hit.
In his past 12 NHL seasons, Dillon has been suspended once prior by the league. The big blueliner sat out one game in December of 2017, for slashing then Capitals defenseman Madison Bowey while with the San Jose Sharks.
Dillon will miss games against the Philadelphia Flyers, Penguins, and Sharks. He will be able to return to the Jets’ lineup on February 17 against the Vancouver Canucks.
Here’s the press release from the league:
Jets’ Dillon Suspended Three Games for Illegal Check to the Head
NEW YORK (Feb. 7, 2024) – Winnipeg Jets defenseman Brenden Dillon has been suspended for three games, without pay, for an illegal check to the head of Pittsburgh Penguins forward Noel Acciari during NHL Game No. 788 in Pittsburgh on Tuesday, Feb. 6, the National Hockey League’s Department of Player Safety announced today.
The incident occurred at 4:13 of the second period. Dillon was assessed a match penalty.
Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and, based on his average annual salary, Dillon will forfeit $60,937.50. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
For a full explanation of the decision, complete with video, please click on the following link: https://www.nhl.com/video/topic/player-safety/dillon-suspended-3-games-6346437296112.
