Tanner Jeannot suspended three games for Thursday’s head shot

The NHL Department of Player Safety announced on Friday that Kings forward Tanner Jeannot would be suspended for three games. The LA forward was given a match penalty for an illegal check to the head of Vancouver’s Brock Boeser on Thursday night.

Under the terms of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement, Jeannot will forfeit $41,640.63 based on his cap hit. That sum will go to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

Despite his abrasive playing style, this is the first suspension of Jeannot’s career. Three games may seem heavy handed for a first time offender, but given the violent and predatory nature of the hit, coupled with the injury to Boeser, it’s unlikely that anyone from the LA side of things was left stunned by the decision.

With Alex Turcotte nursing an injury, the suspension to Jeannot likely presents an opportunity for a forward to be called up from the Ontario Reign. Samuel Fagemo, who has 6 points in his last two games, is the first name that will come to mind for many. However, there are indications that the player elevated to the big squad will be Samuel Helenius.

Helenius will likely make his NHL debut on Saturday night as the Kings host the Columbus Blue Jackets. The 6’ 6”, 21-year old centerman has 2 goals and 1 assist in 8 games with the Reign.