Connolly suspended 4 games for hit on Kero

The NHL suspended Blackhawks forward Brett Connolly for four games for his hit on Dallas' Tanner Kero during the Hawks' 4-3 overtime loss Saturday.

Connolly's hit knocked Kero unconscious just three minutes into the first period. Kero, who played 72 games for the Hawks from 2015-18, was taken off the ice on a stretcher. Connolly was assessed a game misconduct penalty and ejected.

Kero sent a message out Sunday that said: "Thank you for the love and support! I am home resting and doing better."

Connolly was called up from Rockford last week and playing in just his second game for the Hawks this season.

The NHL explained why Connolly was suspended by releasing a statement that read: "As the puck sails by, Connolly delivers a hard, forceful hit on Kero that makes substantial head contact, knocking him to the ice and causing an injury. ... It is important to note that Kero is never in possession of the puck on this play and, therefore, is not eligible to be checked in any manner."

Connolly can take part in team practices but is not eligible to play again until the Hawks host Calgary on Jan. 2.

Olympics update:

The NHL and NHL Players' Association announced Sunday that the league will continue to play the regular season despite the recent outbreak of COVID cases. Because nearly everyone is vaccinated, "the need to temporarily shut down individual teams should continue to be made on a case-by-case basis."

All games involving Canadian teams playing a U.S. Team were suspended from Monday through Thursday. This means at least 39 games will have been suspended through Thursday.

The NHL and NHLPA also said a decision on whether or not the players will participate in the 2022 Beijing Olympics will be made in the coming days. Multiple league sources told ESPN's Emily Kaplan that it is "highly unlikely" the players will go to China.