New Jersey Devils forward Paul Cotter has been suspended for the final two regular-season games for an illegal check to the head that injured New York Islanders defenseman Adam Pelech. The NHL's Department of Player Safety announced the suspension following a disciplinary hearing. Cotter, with no prior history of supplemental discipline, will forfeit $8,073 in salary but will not miss any playoff games.
Pelech was injured by Cotter's left shoulder-to-head hit, resulting in a match penalty and ejection for Cotter during the game against the Islanders. The hit occurred six minutes into the second period and led to Pelech's removal from the game. The Islanders confirmed Pelech would not return, but they went on to win 1-0.
New Jersey, finishing third in the Metropolitan Division, will face the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round of the playoffs. The Devils will be without top center Jack Hughes for the remainder of the season due to shoulder surgery in March.