In the season opener against the Pittsburgh Penguins, the New York Islanders trailed late when emotions flared in the final seconds. With just 14.2 seconds left in the third periodforward Jonathan Drouin and Connor Dewar collided in front of the Penguins’ net. What started as stick changes and pushes escalated when Drouin raised his stick and performed a high crosscheck, making contact with Dewar’s head. The goal came after the whistle in a scrum and provoked an immediate reaction from the officials.
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The referees imposed a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct. Shortly afterwards, the NHL’s Department of Player Safety held a telephone hearing and suspended Drouin one game without pay for the hit. Due to the suspension Drouin will lose $20,833.33 in salary, as per his contract and league rules.
In their public explanation, the NHL made it clear:
“While we have heard Drouin’s assertion that he does not intend to strike Dewar in this manner, players are responsible for their sticks at all times. Drouin is in control of his stick… and chooses to raise it to an unacceptable height to deliver a blow that lands directly on his opponent’s face… with enough force to merit additional discipline,” (from Islanders’ Jonathan Drouin suspended for cross-checking at the end of the opening night loss’, The New York Post, October 10, 2025).
This is Drouin’s first suspension of his NHL career, although he had previously been fined (including a cross-checking fine in 2022).
Impact on the Islanders’ lineup
The suspension couldn’t have come at a worse time for New York. Drouin plays in the top six and was expected to contribute offensively. His absence leaves a hole for the next match, forcing head coach Patrick Roy to shuffle the forward line.
Candidates to fill his spot include Max Tsyplakov or Anthony Duclair, both of whom have a similar style and could grow to fill the role. Meanwhile, Marc Gatcomb or Kyle MacLean could slide into the bottom six spots. Roy has not yet announced his final decisions.
Missing a player with Drouin’s experience, even if it’s just one game, is important, especially early in the season when chemistry is still forming. It also takes away some flexibility for Roy to roll his lines or deploy power play units with depth.
Why it matters more than one game
Precedent for discipline and player safety
The suspension reinforces the NHL’s ongoing efforts to address dangerous stick violations, especially blows to the head. Even cross-checks after the whistle are strictly assessed.
Report to the team
For younger players and role players, this is a reminder that control must be maintained at all times. The Islanders expect their veterans to set the tone. Losing a forward who plays significant minutes, even for one game, can change the momentum. With Drouin sidelined, New York risks losing offensive depth and disrupting their original lineup plans. This is also an opportunity for call-ups and fringe players to seize the moment. Someone resigning in Drouin’s absence could force permanent lineup changes.
Final thoughts
Jonathan Drouin’s one-game suspension is a meaningful moment early in the season. In addition to losing a forward, the Islanders must adapt on the fly, testing roster depth, chemistry and coaching flexibility. Meanwhile, it sends a clear message: stick discipline, especially at the end of games, is non-negotiable. For the Islanders, how they respond to that short stretch could set the tone for the weeks to come.
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