Islanders' Jonathan Drouin to Face NHL Hearing for Cross-Check vs. Penguins

The NHL Department of Player Safety reported Friday that New York Islanders winger Jonathan Drouin will be given a hearing regarding the cross-checking infraction on Pittsburgh Penguins winger Connor Dewar.

The incident took place during the last few seconds of the Metropolitan Division rivals' game on Thursday night. Drouin gave a high cross-check to Dewar with 15 seconds remaining, receiving both a penalty and game misconduct.

Although the violation came late, Drouin had also scored the first goal of the season during what was an eventual 4-3 loss to the Penguins. Drouin is facing the possibility of an NHL Department of Player Safety suspension.

His previous disciplinary measure was in the 2021-22 season when Drouin was fined the maximum $5,000 for cross-checking Dallas winger Tyler Seguin when playing for the Montreal Canadiens.

Drouin was suspended once, though all the way back in 2016, playing with the Tampa Bay Lightning when Drouin had failed to report to their AHL affiliate.

The 30-year-old Quebecer made his Islanders' first appearance Thursday when New York signed him in July to a two-year, $8 million deal. He came to New York from the Avalanche, where injuries forced him to appear in only 43 contests last season.

Nevertheless, the winger still produced 37 points and three assists during the Avalanche's seven-game first-round playoff series loss to the Dallas Stars.

In 608 NHL regular-season games, Drouin has 375 points, and 27 points in 43 playoff games.

The outcome of Drouin's hearing will determine whether his Islanders tenure faces an early setback or simply a brief warning as he looks to make a strong first impression on Long Island.