NHL Player Safety has suspended Ottawa Senators forward Austin Watson for two games for interference.
Ottawa’s Austin Watson has been suspended for two games for Interference on Boston’s Jack Ahcan. https://t.co/ifTaugLB4q
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) February 13, 2022
When it was announced on Saturday that Watson was set to have a hearing, it felt likely that a suspension of some kind was on the way. The veteran winger threw a late and high hit on Boston Bruins defenseman Jack Ahcan, but thankfully, the latter stayed in the game. Following the play, he actually only received a two-minute penalty for interference, but that still didn’t stop NHL Player Safety from suspending him.
When looking at the hit, it is easy to understand their decision. Not only was the hit on an unsuspecting player, but the direct point of contact was clearly at Ahcan’s head.
This is Watson’s second career suspension, as he received one for boarding during the 2017-18 campaign. Although he technically had a record, it certainly wasn’t a long enough one where it likely played too significant of a role in the NHL’s decision.
Do you feel that NHL Player Safety got this one right? Let us know in the comments!
Photo Credit: © David Berding-USA TODAY Sports
