Ottawa Senators forward Ridly Greig will serve a two-game suspension at the start of the 2026-27 NHL season for his sucker-punch to the head of Carolina Hurricanes forward Sean Walker during Game 4 of their first-round playoff series.
The incident occurred on April 25 at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, where the Senators lost 4-2 and were subsequently swept by the Hurricanes. Greig's hearing with the NHL Department of Player Safety was held via Zoom on Monday, limiting any potential suspension to a maximum of five games.
In its ruling, the league stated: "This is roughing. It's important to note that this isn't a situation where two players are squaring off in a mutual confrontation, only for the confrontation to escalate rapidly. In this situation, Walker is fully engaged with (Foegele) when Greig knowingly approaches them and elects to throw two sucker punches towards the defenceless Walker with sufficient force to merit supplemental discipline."
The suspension comes after a melee in the second period, sparked by a hit from Senators defenseman Tyler Kleven that concussed Hurricanes defenseman Alexander Nikishin. During the ensuing scrum, Senators forward Warren Foegele had Walker in a headlock, and Greig approached and delivered two punches to Walker's head.
Greig expressed remorse during the team's exit meetings: "I have to do a better job controlling my emotions. That's all I will say about it."
The incident drew widespread criticism. Hockey Night in Canada analyst Kelly Hrudey called it "gutless and disgusting" and praised Walker for later retaliating. "I love that when a guy gets retribution," Hrudey said. "If you're going to do that, then you deserve that back."
This is not Greig's first disciplinary issue. He was suspended for two games in the 2021-22 preseason for cross-checking then-Winnipeg Jets forward Pierre-Luc Dubois.
Senators general manager Steve Staios was overseas at the IIHF U18 World Championship during the hearing. The team also announced that winger Olle Lycksell will not return next season.
