In a significant blow to the Nashville Predators, the NHL has handed down a three-game suspension to veteran center Steven Stamkos following an on-ice incident during the team’s heated matchup against the Dallas Stars over the weekend.
The league’s Department of Player Safety announced the decision Monday morning, citing “reckless and dangerous conduct” after Stamkos delivered a late, high hit to Stars defenseman Thomas Harley midway through the second period of Saturday night’s contest.
The Incident
The play occurred with 8:14 left in the second period when Harley was retrieving the puck behind his own net. Stamkos, in what appeared to be a forecheck attempt, delivered a shoulder to Harley’s head, catching him off-balance and sending him crashing into the boards. Harley stayed down for several moments before being helped off the ice by trainers. He did not return to the game.
Although Stamkos was assessed a two-minute minor for interference on the play, many fans and analysts expected supplemental discipline given the high contact and the vulnerable position of the opposing player.
NHL’s Ruling
In a video explanation released Monday, the Department of Player Safety stated:
“While Stamkos does not have a significant history of supplemental discipline, this hit was late, targeted the head, and resulted in injury. Such plays are dangerous and must be eliminated from our game.”
The suspension will see Stamkos miss crucial upcoming games against the St. Louis Blues, Winnipeg Jets, and Minnesota Wild — a key stretch as Nashville continues to jockey for playoff positioning in the Western Conference.
Stamkos and Predators Respond
Stamkos, who joined the Predators in a high-profile offseason move after a legendary career with the Tampa Bay Lightning, issued a brief statement through the team:
“I regret the outcome of the play and wish Thomas a full and fast recovery. That was never my intent. I respect the league’s decision and will use this time to refocus and support the team however I can.”
Head coach Andrew Brunette added, “It’s an unfortunate situation. Stammer’s a passionate competitor, and while we support him, we also respect the league’s commitment to player safety.”
Fallout and Implications
The loss of Stamkos, who has tallied 21 goals and 34 assists this season, will be deeply felt by a Predators team that has leaned heavily on his leadership and offensive production. With playoff implications hanging in the balance, the team will likely turn to young centers like Cody Glass or Tommy Novak to step up in his absence.
As for the Dallas Stars, Harley’s status remains day-to-day. Stars head coach Pete DeBoer said postgame that Harley was undergoing concussion protocol and will be re-evaluated before their next game.
Looking Ahead
The Predators are expected to appeal the severity of the suspension, although such appeals are rarely overturned. Stamkos will be eligible to return for the Predators’ matchup against the Calgary Flames next week.
This marks the first suspension of Stamkos’s illustrious career and serves as a reminder of the NHL’s increasingly strict enforcement of head-contact penalties in the interest of player safety.
