Flyers forward Chris VandeVelde has been suspended two games for his elbow to the head of Blackhawks forward and former University of North Dakota teammate Jonathan Toews.
Here’s the NHL Department of Player Safety’s decision in video form:
“While this is not a predatory or a violent hit, it is still a reckless elbow to an opponent’s head with sufficient force to merit supplemental discipline,” said Patrick Burke of the DPS.
It’s a pretty fair suspension, taking into account the lack of similar history for VandeVelde and the lack of injury to Toews. VandeVelde made an out-of-character mistake that he probably regrets and these are the relatively mild consequences. It’s OK.
VandeVelde and the Flyers seemed to expect this. He skated as an extra at practice on Friday, and it works for the Flyers even strength-wise since Jakub Voracek is checking back into the lineup Saturday against Pittsburgh. But his value as a penalty killer will be missed.
If VandeVelde gets back into the lineup upon return, he’ll be eligible to play Tuesday in Columbus. He’ll miss Saturday against and Tuesday against the Islanders.
