NHL Suspends Sabres' Connor Clifton for Two Games Over Illegal Check to Devils' Nico Hischier

Clifton's penalty results in $35,000 in lost pay which will be donated to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund; Hischier sustains upper-body injury and will sit out in the team's next game against Minnesota Wild.

• The NHL has enforced a two-game suspension on Buffalo Sabres' Connor Clifton. This punishment follows what was determined to be an illegal hit against New Jersey Devils' Nico Hischier, with the primary point of impact being Hischier's head.
• Clifton's suspension is a result of his actions in the first period of Sabres’ 5-4 loss, where Clifton was later ejected. Hischier managed to return in the second period but did not participate in the third.
• For his offence, Clifton will lose approximately $35,000 in pay which will be donated to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund. This is a significant financial repercussion for his avoidable actions.
• While this is Clifton's first offence in his 240-game NHL career, he had no prior suspension history despite his heavy-hitting style of play. His clean record in the league did little to mitigate his punishment.
• With Clifton's absence, Jacob Bryson will get his first action of the season. Sabres may also need to add some depth to their active roster, potentially looking at Ryan Johnson and Riley Stillman, currently playing in AHL Rochester.

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