Just now : Brady Tkachuk drug suspension could be ‘seismic’ as appeal date looms

Just now : Brady Tkachuk drug suspension could be ‘seismic’ as appeal date looms..

Brady Tkachuk will not be suspended after the NHL reviewed his instigator penalty from the Ottawa Senators’ game against the Buffalo Sabres. Initially, Tkachuk was set to receive a one-game suspension under NHL Rule 46.21, which penalizes players for instigating fights in the last five minutes of a game. However, the league used its discretion to overturn the automatic suspension, determining that the fight was more spontaneous than a deliberate attempt to send a message.

Senators head coach D.J. Smith had planned to appeal, arguing that Tkachuk was responding to a “dirty hit” rather than provoking a fight. The NHL ultimately agreed, deciding that the situation did not warrant additional discipline.

This is a major relief for Ottawa, as Tkachuk is the team’s leading goal scorer and a key presence on the ice. The Senators, who have had a mixed start to the season, will now have their captain available for upcoming games.

For more details, check out the full report on Sportsnet and Pro Hockey Rumors.