Brendan Shanahan, the head of the National Hockey League's Department of Player Safety, announced on Monday, March 4 that Buffalo Sabres forward Patrick Kaleta has been suspended five games for boarding New York Rangers forward Brad Richards during Sunday’s game between the two teams.
Due to having been suspended on three previous occasions, Kaleta is considered a repeat offender, and will forfeit $76,219.25 of his salary. The money will go to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.
Kaleta was given a five-minute major penalty for checking from behind and a game misconduct on the play, which happened 3:28 into the third period.
Brad Richards initially looked hurt on the play, but returned to the game shortly after without missing a shift.
Kaleta will be eligible to return to action for the Sabres on Saint Patrick’s Day, March 17, when they travel to Washington to face the Capitals for a 3 p.m. afternoon game.
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