NHL suspends Hjalmarsson for hit on Rattie

The NHL Department of Player Safety suspended Niklas Hjalmarsson for the rest of the preseason and the regular-season opener for “charging” St. Louis' Ty Rattie late in the Blackhawks' victory Saturday at the United Center.

From the Player Safety video: “As Hjalmarsson steps up to deliver the hit, both players are low and in an athletic position. However, rather than staying low and delivering a hit through Rattie's shoulder or chest, Hjalmarsson launches himself up and into Rattie, making substantial contact with his head.”

The hit, which came with 65 seconds remaining in the game, earned Hjalmarsson a match penalty. This is the second time Hjalmarsson has been suspended by the NHL, the other coming in 2010 when he delievered a hit to then-Sabres forward Jason Pominville.

Rattie did not suffer an injury on the hit.

The Hawks' season opener is Oct. 12 against the Blues.