NEW YORK, N.Y. - The NHL has suspended Dallas Stars forward Ryan Garbutt for three games for slew-footing Winnipeg Jets defenceman Dustin Byfuglien.

The incident happened at 12:17 of the third period of Winnipeg's 5-2 win in Dallas on Tuesday. Byfuglien was about to beat Garbutt to a loose puck when Garbutt tripped the Winnipeg blue-liner.

Garbutt was assessed a minor penalty for tripping on the play, but the league said the Stars forward was subject to further punishment as he kicked out Byfuglien's skates while simultaneously using his stick to yank Byfuglien's upper body backwards.

Garbutt is considered a repeat offender and will lose US$65,853.66 in salary.

He will miss the Stars' home game against New Jersey on Saturday as well as games in Vancouver and Calgary before being eligible to return Dec. 21st for a game in Edmonton.