Alex Burrows had been offered an in-person hearing with the Department of Player Safety to defend his actions in last night’s Ottawa-New Jersey game, but has decided to decline that option and instead will speak over the phone. Because they offered him the in-person meeting, the NHL retains the right to suspend Burrows for more than five games.
Burrows was involved in an incident in front of the Ottawa net last night when he was tangled up with Taylor Hall. When the two players ended up on the ice, Burrows seemed to try and land blows with his knee to Hall’s head.
The 36-year old forward has been suspended and fine by the league before, and has a reputation of playing close to the line of legality. The telephone hearing will be held this afternoon.
Should get 10 games.