Red Wings' David Perron suspended six games for cross-checking Senators' Artem Zub

Perron was retaliating after Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin was hit on the back of the head

By Chris Bengel Dec 12, 2023 at 11:53 am ET• 1 min read

Detroit Red Wings winger David Perron has been suspended six games without pay for cross-checking Ottawa Senators defenseman Artem Zub in the head during Saturday's game. It marks the first suspension of Perron's career, which spans 1,081 games.

Perron's cross-check on Zub was delivered in retaliation after Red Wings star Dylan Larkin was laying on the ice motionless. Larkin was hit on the back of the head by Senators forward Mathieu Joseph. When Larkin was down, Perron made his way toward Zub and cross-checked the Senators defenseman.

David Perron has been assessed a match penalty for intent to injure on this play pic.twitter.com/7V2KRfnABh

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) December 10, 2023

The NHL's Department of Player Safety stated that "the brunt of the impact of this blow is clearly absorbed by Zub's head, due to the actions and choices made by Perron." They also said that Perron's check required "significant supplemental discipline."

Perron received a match penalty for the hit at the 13:50 mark of the opening period of Saturday's contest. Meanwhile, Joseph and Senators forward Parker Kelly each were awarded roughing penalties for hitting Larkin.