by A.J. PerezFiled under: Flames, Red Wings
Calgary Flames winger Tom Kostopoulos was tagged a six-game suspension by the NHL on Sunday, the longest ban given out since the league instituted a rule to limit hits to the head last season. Kostopoulos broke the jaw of Detroit Red Wings defenseman Brad Stuart in the third period of a game on Friday. The Red Wings announced this weekend that Stuart -- who did not need surgery -- will be out four to six weeks.
"A number of factors were considered in reaching this decision," NHL senior executive vice president of hockey operations Colin Campbell said in a statement. "Kostopoulos delivered a blow to the head of an unsuspecting and vulnerable player."
Campbell said although league officials did not consider the collision a hit from the blindside, the fact that Kostopoulos targeted Stuart's head was the deciding factor for the lengthy suspension.
"The fact that Brad Stuart was not in possession of the puck when the blow was delivered and the serious nature of the player's injury were also considered in my decision," Campbell continued.
Kostopoulos said in a statement sent by the Flames to FanHouse and other outlets that he was "extremely disappointed" and added he didn't do "anything illegal."
"I'm sorry that Brad was hurt on the play and I hope he returns to play soon, but it was never my intention to injure him and I definitely did not target the head," Kostopoulos said. "I maintain that I delivered a legal check to an opponent playing the puck. While I am upset with the league's decision, I will serve the suspension in preparation for my return to the line-up to help my team."
Kostopoulos will forfeit $29,569.92 in salary and he'll be eligible to return against the Vancouver Canucks on Jan. 22.
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Source: http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2011/01/09/tom-kostopoulos-calgary-flames-forward-receives-six-game-suspe/
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