Senators forward Hodgson given two-game ban

In a recent disciplinary ruling, the NHL's Department of Player Safety has suspended Ottawa Senators forward Hayden Hodgson for two games. The infraction involved Hodgson charging and boarding Los Angeles Kings defenseman Brandt Clarke during a game held in Los Angeles. Hodgson, a 30-year-old player, lined up Clarke from several strides away and forcefully drove his opponent's head into the glass.

Following a disciplinary hearing, Hodgson received a game misconduct and a five-minute major penalty for boarding. Clarke was not present for the game but was on the ice for practice on Friday. Hodgson, who has been playing in the league for his 24th game, was fined the maximum allowable amount of $2,018 under the collective bargaining agreement for a similar incident with Montreal's Alex Newhook in a preseason game in 2025.

Over the past five seasons in the American Hockey League, Hodgson has accumulated 20 games worth of suspensions for elbowing and other offenses. As a result of the suspension, Hodgson will forfeit $8,763 in salary. He will miss games against San Jose on Saturday and Anaheim on Sunday, and he is eligible to return for a game on Wednesday against Buffalo.

In response to Hodgson's suspension, the Senators have recalled wingers Xavier Bourgault and Philip Tomasino from their Belleville affiliate in the AHL.