Jordin Tootoo suspended 2 games for Ryan Miller hit

The NHL has today suspended Nashville Predators winger Jordin Tootoo two games, following his collision with Buffalo Sabres goalie Ryan Miller during the second period of last night's 3-2 loss at Bridgestone Arena. This is Tootoo's first suspension since March of 2007, when he received a 5-gamer for the infamous punch he threw at Stephane Robidas in a game against the Dallas Stars. Because that incident occurred more than 18 months ago, he is not considered a "repeat offender" under the league's supplementary discipline procedures (this part is unclear - Exhibit 8.5(d) of the CBA defines repeat- vs. first-time-offender, but Shanahan's explanation below differs).

Last night, Preds broadcaster Pete Weber discussed this incident on FAN590 up in Toronto:

Pete Weber on Fan590 2011-12-05 (mp3)

Tootoo will continue to take up a spot on the Active Roster during the suspension, so the Preds will be pretty constrained on their roster choices. If they want to free up a roster spot for another Milwaukee callup, however, they could put one of the injured guys like Francis Bouillon on injured reserve to make room.

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Jordin Tootoo

#22 / Right Wing / Nashville Predators

Height: 5-9

Weight: 199

Born: Feb 02, 1983

Take it away, NHL Vice President of Player Safety Brendan Shanahan. Shanny emphasizes that Tootoo should have made a better effort to avoid or minimize the impact:

After the jump, you'll find the video of the hit to stew over once again...