“Vancouver Canucks’ Nikita Zadorov Faces Possible Discipline After Hit on Lucas Raymond; Hearing with Department of Player Safety Scheduled”
Vancouver Canucks defenseman Nikita Zadorov faces potential repercussions beyond the major and match penalty he received for an illegal check on Detroit Red Wings winger Lucas Raymond. Zadorov is scheduled for a hearing with the Department of Player Safety tonight to determine if additional disciplinary action is warranted.
Vancouver’s Nikita Zadorov will have a hearing this evening for an illegal check to the head on Detroit’s Lucas Raymond.
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) February 10, 2024
The league may or may not decide to suspend Zadorov; although his check on Raymond occurred away from the play, initial observations suggest he did not make contact with the Swede’s head using his elbow, but rather grazed Raymond’s chin with his shoulder.
While Zadorov is known for his physical style of play, Raymond has garnered attention for his tendency to exaggerate incidents to attract officials’ notice. Earlier in the season, the Detroit star appeared to self-inflict a facial injury with a New York Rangers stick.
Nikita Zadorov has been given a 5-minute match penalty for a hit to the head. pic.twitter.com/B22Og9ZkIn
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) February 10, 2024
If the league sidelines Zadorov, Vancouver will face a challenge in filling the void on the left side of their defense. Since joining the team from the Calgary Flames via trade, the 28-year-old has been averaging nearly 18 minutes per game.
This predicament is exacerbated by the continued absence of fellow left-handed defenseman Carson Soucy, who is currently sidelined with a hand injury and is not expected to return until March.
After suffering a 4-3 overtime loss to the Red Wings earlier today, the Canucks, who currently lead the league, will aim to bounce back against the Washington Capitals tomorrow at 1 pm ET. They will be hopeful for Zadorov’s availability for the upcoming game.
