NHL Suspends Islanders Ross Johnston 3 Games For Check to Head

New York Islanders forward Ross Johnston has been suspended x games for an illegal check to the head of New Jersey Devils forward A.J. Greer in a contest on Thursday, Jan. 13.

#Isles forward Ross Johnston has received a three-game suspension for an illegal check to the head of #NJDevils forward A.J. Greer in Thursday's contest.

Will forfeit $15,000.

This is Johnston's first suspension at the #NHL level.

— Stefen Rosner (@stefen_rosner) January 14, 2022

Ross Johnston delivered the hit at 16:48 of the first period and followed through with his elbow as he made direct contact with the head of A.J. Greer on the play. Just a minor penalty was called.

The number of games that Ross Johnston should be suspended for this hit on A.J. Greer is _______games?

(he's having a hearing with @NHLPlayerSafety today)

CC: @TimCPeel20 pic.twitter.com/irnurJwp0T

— Daily Faceoff (@DailyFaceoff) January 14, 2022

Greer was back on the ice two shifts later and finished the contest. After the game, New Jersey announced that Greer was still being evaluated by the training staff. 

On Friday, Devils head coach Lindy Ruff stated that Gree would miss “serious time”. 

That was Johnston’s first penalty of the season. He added his second later in the game as he and Bastian were both assessed minor penalties for roughing. This is Johnston’s first time being suspended at the NHL level.

Johnston received a 15-game suspension in Juniors back in 2013. 

At Friday’s practice, Matt Martin skated with the fourth line. With Johnston out for the next three games, Martin will likely be in the lineup. 

Who do you think will win the 2022 Stanley Cup Finals? Check out Fanduel.com’s Stanley Cup betting odds and place a future bet today!