Zachary L'Heureux Suspended for Spurgeon Injury

Nashville Predators rookie forward Zachary L'Heureux has been suspended for three games by the NHL for slew-footing Minnesota Wild captain Jared Spurgeon during a game. The incident occurred in the second period, resulting in Spurgeon sustaining a lower-body injury after colliding with the boards. L'Heureux, who has a history of suspensions in junior and minor leagues, was assessed a match penalty for the infraction. The suspension will cost L'Heureux $13,489.59 in forfeited salary, which will be directed to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund. In response, the Predators have recalled Ozzy Wiesblatt from their AHL affiliate to fill in during L'Heureux's suspension. Spurgeon's injury and the nature of the play have drawn significant attention, with the Department of Player Safety emphasizing the severity of the offense due to the manner and speed of the slew-footing.