MONTREAL, QC. — The NHL Department of Player Safety has announced that Canadiens forward Paul Byron has been suspended for three games for charging Florida Panthers forward Mackenzie Weegar.
The suspension stemmed from an incident in the second period of Monday night’s 5-1 win over the Florida Panthers. Weegar left the game and did not return. In his post-game presser, Panthers head coach Bob Boughner confirmed that Weegar is currently in concussion protocol.
Montreal’s Paul Byron has been suspended for three games for charging Florida’s MacKenzie Weegar. https://t.co/WYC4pDQIyN
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) January 16, 2019
NHL Department of Player Safety noted that Byron left the ice to launch himself into Weegar resulting in direct and forceful contact with the head of the Panthers defenceman. Byron’s clear disciplinary history was considered.
On Twitter, Paul Byron accepted responsibility for his actions and issued an apology noting that he has learned a lesson.
— Paul Byron (@jpbyron89) January 16, 2019
In 34 games this season, Byron has 10 goals and 18 points. Byron will be eligible to return to the line up after the All-Star Break on February 2nd against the New Jersey Devils. According to Eric Engels, Byron will forfeit more than $18,000 with this suspension.
with notes from Elias Laradi, Staff Writer, All Habs Hockey Magazine