Blackhawks’ Carcillo suspended 6 games for cross-check on Jets’ Perreault

NEW YORK, N.Y. – Blackhawks winger Daniel Carcillo has been suspended six games for cross-checking and injuring Jets centre Mathieu Perreault.

Carcillo cross-checked Perreault’s left arm after the whistle during Chicago’s game against Winnipeg on Friday.

A two-minute minor penalty was called on the play, but the NHL’s department of player safety said this warranted supplemental discipline because it was “not a hockey play” and came when Perreault should not have expected any contact.

“It has nothing to do with the puck and the blow is delivered after the whistle has blown the play dead,” Patrick Burke said in the video announcing the suspension. “Coming up from behind the unaware Perreault, Carcillo is entirely in control of what happens. After hearing the whistle, Carcillo chooses to deliver a forceful cross check that strikes Perreault in an unprotected spot on his arm.”

Perreault has not played since suffering the injury. The Jets have not said how severe it is.

Because the suspension is longer than five games, Carcillo could appeal to an independent arbitrator after the commissioner, if he chooses to. He also had a right to an in-person hearing but waived it to instead do it by phone.

As a repeat offender, Carcillo will forfeit US$40,243.92 in salary. His most recent suspension came during last year’s playoffs.

This is Carcillo’s ninth suspension in his nine-year NHL career. He has also been fined three times.

Burke said in the video that Carcillo’s track record was of “heightened significance in this case” and that two previous fines and one suspension came as a result of stick violations.

Carcillo will be eligible to return Feb. 6 when the Blackhawks visit the Jets.

The 29-year-old from King City, Ont., has three goals and four assists in 31 games this season for Chicago. This is his second stint with the Blackhawks.

Carcillo has also played for the Coyotes, Flyers, Kings and Rangers.