Why NHL Suspended Ducks' Trevor Zegras For High Hit On Red Wings' Rasmussen

The NHL's Department of Player Safety issued a three-game suspension to Anaheim Ducks center Trevor Zegras for his high hit on Detroit Red Wings center Michael Rasmussen.

In Sunday's game between the Ducks and the Red Wings, Rasmussen chipped the puck into Anaheim's zone from the neutral zone before Zegras laid his shoulder into Rasmussen's head. Despite protests from Detroit's bench and Red Wings coach Todd McLellan, Zegras didn't receive a penalty at the time.

"Zegras delivers a late, high hit that makes significant contact with Rasmussen's head," NHL Player Safety said in a video explanation. "Zegras begins his hitting motion after Rasmussen releases the puck, and contact is made outside the window where a check may be legally finished.

"In addition to the lateness, what causes this hit to rise to the level of supplemental discipline is the significant head on this play, combined with the force."

Following the hit, Rasmussen left the game and did not return for the Wings. He departed the contest with 8:02 of ice time and scored a power-play goal in the first period. 

That was the 25-year-old's ninth goal of the season. Rasmussen also has seven assists and 16 points for Detroit this season. 

"When a player gets a hit to the head and doesn't return, it is never a good sign," McLellan told reporters after Detroit's 5-4 overtime win. He added that Rasmussen seemed "to be in fairly good spirits" after the game.

"It seemed pretty high, especially for a guy that's 6-foot-6," Patrick Kane told media. In contrast to Rasmussen, Zegras is six-foot.

This is Zegras' first NHL suspension, but the league has disciplined the 23-year-old before. In November 2022, the center was fined $1,500 for slashing defenseman Matt Benning.

Zegras has seven goals and 16 points in 34 games. He's 10th on the team in goals and points.

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