Nathan MacKinnon clips Nolan Patrick in the head - Could he be suspended?

PUBLICATION

Josh tupper
February 17, 2022 (8:34)

SHARE THIS STORY

Nathan MacKinnon, has only been back in the Colorado Avalanche lineup for a couple of games, but it appears he is already drawing some negative attention to himself. Only about 3 minutes into the game MacKinnon caught and unsuspecting Nolan Patrick with a hit to the jaw. Patrick fell to the ice and was immediately attended to by the Golden Knights' medical staff.

Patrick, who has a history of concussions stayed down before eventually leaving the ice on his own power. Patrick didn't return to the game and finished the night logging only 14 seconds of ice time.

Patrick, who missed significant time in his career with concussions is likely to be evaluated again today, but this could be a significant blow to his career. This hit is surprising considering MacKinnon just returned from a concussion of his own.

MacKinnon was only issued a 2 minute penalty on the play, but due to the nature of the hit and circumstances (Patrick wasn't in possession of the puck/point of contact) he could be hearing from the NHL Department of Player Safety.

MUST READ

Feb 22, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; NHL commissioner Gary Bettman speaks during media availabilities before the Los Angeles Kings play against the Utah Hockey Club at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

51 minutes ago | By Tom Banks

Major Change Coming to Future Four Nations Tournament? European Players Make a Big Request to Gary Bettman

Feb 8, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers left wing Matthew Tkachuk (19) and center Carter Verhaeghe (23) celebrate after the game against the Ottawa Senators at Amerant Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

3 hours ago | By Tom Banks

New Report from Insider Reveals there is Concern that Matthew Tkachuk's Season May be Over

Feb 22, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Carolina Hurricanes forward Mikko Rantanen (96) prepares for a face-off against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the second period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

14 hours ago | By Graham Montgomery

Elliotte Friedman Reveals Carolina Hurricanes Have Offered a Massive Extension Offer to Mikko Rantanen

Mar 30, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New Jersey Devils defenseman PK Subban (76) warms up before playing the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images

15 hours ago | By Graham Montgomery

PK Subban Puts Kyle Dubas on Blast for Wasting the Final Years of Sidney Crosby's Career

Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Brady Tkachuk (7) celebrates scoring against Team Canada during the first period during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

17 hours ago | By Graham Montgomery

Chilling Video Captures Brady Tkachuk Trying to Inspire his Team USA Teammates by Honouring Johnny Gaudreau

Feb 3, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Ottawa Senators left wing Brady Tkachuk (7) checks Nashville Predators center Fedor Svechkiv (40) into the bench during the first period at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

18 hours ago | By Tom Banks

Top NHL Insider Predicts That Brady Tkachuk Is On His Way Out Of Ottawa

Feb 8, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhekaj (72) looks on against the New Jersey Devils during the second period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

19 hours ago | By Graham Montgomery

Arber Xhekaj Threatens Brady Tkachuk Ahead of Game Versus Ottawa Senators

Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada goaltender Jordan Binnington (50) blocks a shot by Team USA forward Jake Guentzel (59) during the third period during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

22 hours ago | By Tom Banks