Minnesota Wild forward Brad Staubitz has been suspended for the balance of the pre-season and three regular season games for an illegal check that took place during the third period of Friday's pre-season game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Early in the third period, Staubitz hit Blue Jackets forward Cody Bass from behind and was assessed a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct on the play.
The 27-year-old Edmonton native received an indefinite suspension from the NHL's Senior Vice President of Player Safety Brendan Shanahan on Saturday pending a hearing that took place on Monday.
While the review was held by phone, Shanahan offered Staubitz an in person hearing meaning the ban could have been over five games if the league saw fit.
Staubitz has previously served a one game suspension in 2009 for an illegal hit on Kings defenceman David Drewiske following an icing call.
The three-year NHL veteran is entering his second year as a member of the Minnesota Wild after spending two years with the San Jose Sharks.
