October 12, 2025

In a jaw-dropping development, New York Islanders left winger Jonathan Drouin has been slapped with a one-game suspension by the NHL’s Department of Player Safety. The reason? A brutal high cross-check on Pittsburgh Penguins center Connor Dewar, delivered right after the whistle blew during their Thursday night game. The incident unfolded as a scrum brewed around the net. Both players threw some light stickwork, but tensions soared when Drouin raised his stick with both hands and struck Dewar hard in the face. Dewar collapsed to the ice from the force. Drouin was immediately hit with a major penalty and a game misconduct. The league took quick action, announcing on Friday that Drouin will sit out the Islanders’ home opener on Saturday against the Washington Capitals. The NHL noted Drouin's statement: "It is important to note that while sticks occasionally ride up an opponent's body or equipment and land higher than intended during a net-front battle, this is not such a case." This suspension marks the first in his decade-long NHL career. Though the 30-year-old winger was fined $5,000 in 2022 for a similar cross-checking incident with the Montreal Canadiens, this time the consequences are bigger. Drouin will also lose $20,833.33 of salary due to the suspension, which will be donated to the NHL Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund. Before the suspension drama, he was showing bright sparks by scoring a goal in the Islanders' tight 4–3 loss to the Penguins. With Drouin out, the Islanders must rethink their offensive strategy for the home opener. The team will miss his 108 career goals and 267 assists, which total 375 points in 608 games, plus 27 points in 43 playoff battles. Will the Islanders crack without their spark on the left wing? Fans will be watching closely!

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Tags: Jonathan drouin, Nhl suspension, New york islanders, Cross-checking, Connor dewar, Pittsburgh penguins,