ATLANTA - Thrashers forward Ben Eager has been suspended without pay for four games for punching Toronto's Colby Armstrong.

Eager will forfeit US$20,752.68 in salary while serving the suspension, announced by the NHL on Saturday.

Eager was ejected and given a match penalty for intent to injure after punching Armstrong, a former Atlanta player.

The suspension begins with Sunday's game at Carolina. Eager also will miss games against Philadelphia, Dallas and Florida and can return for a Jan. 20 game against Tampa Bay.