Aaron Dell suspended three games for interference on Drake Batherson
The NHL’s Department of Player Safety is coming down on Aaron Dell.
The DoPS announced on Wednesday that Dell will be suspended for three games for an interference play on Drake Batherson in Tuesday’s game between the Buffalo Sabres and Ottawa Senators. Batherson was injured on the play and will be out indefinitely with a high-ankle sprain.
The number of games that Aaron Dell should be suspended for "this" hit on Drake Batherson is ______ games?
(Dell will have a hearing today)
CC: @TimCPeel20 pic.twitter.com/H1KUl7KsdS
In the video explaining the decision, the DoPS said that Dell “takes an active step into Batherson, shifting his weight and delivering a hit to an unsuspecting player that causes a dangerous fall into the boards.”
The combination of Dell breaking the interference rule and Batherson getting injured ultimately resulted in the DoPS’ decision to hand out a three-game suspension. The DoPS also mentioned in the video that Dell has no history of fines or suspensions during his time in the league.
After the game, Dell said that he wasn’t intentionally trying to hurt Batherson on the play.
“I was just trying to buy some time for my defenceman and step into (Batherson’s) lane,” Dell said. “I hope he’s all right. I wasn’t trying to hurt anybody.”
Senators coach D.J. Smith said that this isn’t surprising given Dell’s reputation as a physical goaltender.
“I see replays of him at other times, running out and hitting players,” Smith said. “It’s a pattern. It’s a bad play by the goalie and he’s done it before.”
Batherson was on the verge of a breakout season, as he had matched his career-high in points of 34 through 31 games, and was set to play in his first-ever All-Star Game in Las Vegas in February.
Dell has made 12 appearances for the Sabres this season. He has a 1-8-1 record and a .893 save percentage.