Florida Panthers defenceman Ben Chiarot has been fined $5,000 for head-butting Tampa Bay Lightning forward Ross Colton in Game 1 of the second-round series, the NHL announced on Wednesday.

Chiarot, 31, received the maximum allowable fine under the collective bargaining agreement.

The Hamilton native was acquired by the Panthers in a trade with the Montreal Canadiens on March 16.

In 20 games with Florida during the regular season, Chiarot registered two goals, six assists and a plus-4 rating. 

Chiarot has tallied one assist in seven games so far in the post-season.

The Panthers fell 4-1 to the visiting Lightning in Game 1.

Game 2 is scheduled for Thursday.