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Claesson suspended two games for hit to the head on Noel Acciari

It’s the Swede’s first suspension. Ben Harpur will draw into the lineup.

The NHL’s Department of Player Safety announced today that they’ve suspended defenceman Fredrik Claesson two games for an illegal check to the head on the Bruins Noel Acciari.

The hit took place in the first period of yesterday night’s contest, with Claesson coming across to stand up on Acciari in the neutral zone. Although Acciari was the intended recipient of the Bruins breakout pass, Claesson made contact before the put got to him. Importantly, the principle point of contact was the head. Claesson was given a five-minute major and a game misconduct on the play, and had to fight Tim Schaller in response. Acciari returned in the second period.

Under the terms of the CBA and, based on his average annual salary, Claesson will forfeit $6,989.24. Ben Harpur, already called up from Belleville, will play in lieu of Claesson, who is eligible to return on Wednesday, January 3rd against the Detroit Red Wings.

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