The NHL Department of Player Safety today fined Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras $1,500 for slashing San Jose Sharks defenseman Matt Benning during last night’s game. Zegras was assessed a minor penalty for slashing on the play.
It’s the second fine issued today after New York Islanders forward Casey Cizikas escaped with a fine instead of a suspension stemming from his collision with Blackhawks goaltender Alex Stalock. Thankfully, Benning was not injured on this play. The Ducks will be ecstatic that no further discipline was awarded to Zegras, who’s second on the struggling team with eight points in 10 games.
- Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan confirmed today that forward Jeff Carter is unavailable for tonight’s primetime game against Buffalo and did not travel with the team on their one-game road trip. Carter suffered an undisclosed injury on Saturday in a game against Seattle and is listed as day-to-day. 24-year-old Drew O’Connor is slated to see his second straight game of action at the third-line center position.
- There’s no updated timeline on San Jose Sharks defenseman Markus Nutivaara, who’s still out indefinitely as head coach David Quinn said today he’s suffered another setback. Nutivaara has not played an NHL game since October 29, 2021, his lone appearance last season with Florida. He remains out with a lower-body injury after signing in San Jose this offseason.