Blackhawks’ Matt Grzelcyk fined for cross-checking Senators’ Tim Stutzle

A veteran blueliner is opening his wallet due to his recent actions.

On Sunday, the NHL Department of Player Safety announced that Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Matt Grzelcyk has been fined $2,604.17 for cross-checking Ottawa Senators forward Tim Stutzle. The fee is the maximum allowable under the current collective bargaining agreement.

The incident happened in the latter half of the first period in the game between the two teams on Saturday night. Stutzle got into an altercation with Grzelcyk after the whistle, with the two exchanging shots before Grzelcyk hit Stutzle with a cross-check in the face.

The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

While Stutzle was handed a minor penalty for roughing, Grzelcyk was given a double-minor for high-sticking. Ottawa failed to capitalize on the power play, but went on to win the game, 6-4. Grzelcyk himself had a rough night, finishing the game with a plus/minus of -3 while registering 17:48 of ice time.

This isn’t the first time that Grzelcyk has received supplemental discipline in his career. In February 2024, as a member of the Boston Bruins, he was fined $5,000 for spearing then-Washington Capitals forward Max Pacioretty. The Charlestown, Mass. native has never been suspended in his time in the NHL.

Grzelcyk came to the Blackhawks on a one-year deal, with a cap hit of $1 million for the 2025-26 season. He earned the contract after showing up to Chicago’s camp on a professional tryout. Things haven’t been grand for the 31-year-old. While the Blackhawks have improved as a whole, Grzelcyk’s performance has been underwhelming at times. In 35 games, he has yet to score a goal, posting just six assists thus far. He has a +3 rating while averaging 16:31 of ice time.

The Blackhawks (13-16-6) have really struggled over the last little while. Since their star forward, Connor Bedard, has gone on the shelf with a shoulder injury, Chicago has stumbled down the Western Conference standings. The team has gone from a Wild Card hopeful to last place in the conference, five points back of a playoff spot.