Dalton Prout to Face Hearing for Punching Kucherov

Dalton Prout of the Columbus Blue Jackets will face a hearing on Tuesday after punching Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov on Sunday afternoon, according to the NHL’s Department of Player Safety.

The Department of Player Safety tweeted the news this morning.

Columbus' Dalton Prout will have a hearing tomorrow afternoon for roughing/sucker punch on Tampa Bay's Nikita Kucherov.

— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) March 14, 2016

In the second period of an eventual 4-0 Lightning victory, Prout punched Kucherov during a scrum that occurred behind the Lightning net. The scrum started when Blue Jackets’ captain Nick Foligno tripped goaltender Ben Bishop as he attempts to play the puck. Video of the incident is below.

Prout received a roughing penalty and a 10-minute misconduct while Foligno received a tripping penalty. Kucherov also received a 2-minute minor for roughing.

There’s no indication of whether the hearing will be over the phone or in person and it’s important to note that a hearing doesn’t necessarily guarantee suspension. However, it’s rare for a player to avoid suspension under these circumstances.

Prout, known for his physical play, has two goals and five total points to accompany his 83 penalty minutes so far this season.

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Featured Image Courtesy of Amy Irvin.

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