Ottawa Senators forward Hayden Hodgson was suspended two games for boarding Los Angeles Kings defenseman Brandt Clarke.
Hodgson received a major penalty and game misconduct for the hit in Thursday's game. He had a hearing Friday with the NHL's Department of Player Safety.
"Hodgson closes in from behind and delivers a high and hard hit on his opponent that makes contact with Clarke's head and drives him violently into the boards," the NHL's DOPS said in its ruling. "It is important to note that Hodgson tracks Clarke from behind while skating at a speed that does not allow him to adjust to Clarke, or minimize the contact."
NHL Player Safety announces Hayden Hodgson has been suspended for two games for this hit on Brandt Clarke. https://t.co/L8YmBLLi8s
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) October 31, 2026
Hodgson argued that he attempted to throw a shoulder-to-shoulder check.
Clarke suffered an upper-body injury on the play.
The 30-year-old Hodgson has zero points and 24 penalty minutes through five games this season. He's scored one goal in 24 NHL games across five seasons.
