In one of the more bizarre scenes, so far, of the 2021-22 NHL regular, Buffalo Sabers goalkeeper Aaron Dell delivered a questionable and avoidable blow to Ottawa Senators striker Drake Batherson late in the early stages of Tuesday’s game as Buffalo lost 5-0.
As noted by ESPN, Batherson was injured in the play and Dell learned on Wednesday that he would also miss some time after the incident.
The NHL’s Player Safety Bureau announced Dell has suspended three games without pay for “interference.” As a result, he will lose $11,250 of his salary and that money will go to the Player’s Emergency Fund.
“It was a bad game by the keeper,” Senators coach DJ Smith commented after the game. “He’s done it before, we’ve seen all the replays. Any other player in the game that does that, you have to go out there and face the music, I guess. Sure, the league will look at anything, but it’s a bad game… and it’s a pity that a kid won’t be able to make it to an All-Star game. That’s dangerous.”
Each SportsnetBatherson sprained his high ankle and won’t be playing again before the NHL All-Star game on Feb. 5. He leader Senators with 34 points and 21 assists during the season.
“It’s important to note that this is a physical examination, not merely a crash,” the federation explained in an accompanying video. “Dell is looking for and is aware of the path Batherson is taking to avoid contact with Dell. Dell is the contact initiator in this play.
“It’s also not a mere pick match or a last-second double for impact, where one player gets in the way of the opponent without force. jeopardizing falling into the board.
“Finally, it’s important to note that Batherson has no puncher and is therefore ineligible to be tested in this game in any way. Batherson does not and should not expect a shoulder test from Dell in this situation, much less, a high, stiff shoulder.”
Dell’s three-game ban will begin with Saturday’s game at the Arizona Coyotes.
