New Jersey Devils forward Paul Cotter will have a hearing with the NHL's Department of Player Safety for his illegal check to the head against New York Islanders defenseman Adam Pelech:

While it seemed that Cotter had no intentions of clicking Pelech up high, he makes unnecessary contact with Pelech's chin on a clearing attempt:

Pelech, 30, has a history of concussions. His last one came in January. 25, 2024, when Montreal Canadiens forward Brendan Gallagher threw the chicken wing in Roy's return to Montreal.

Gallagher received a five-game suspension:

Cotter does not have any prior history with the NHL's DoPS, but should get at least a game for his hit. Pelech left the game and did not return. 

He is out with an upper-body injury. We do not know if he will be available for the Islanders' last two games of the season. 

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