Leafs’ Matthews to have hearing with NHL player safety for cross-check on Dahlin

HAMILTON – Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews has a hearing with the NHL’s department of player safety Monday.

Matthews cross-checked Sabres defenceman Rasmus Dahlin in the third period of Sunday’s Heritage Classic at Hamilton’s Tim Hortons Field.

The altercation took place away from the puck with Toronto losing 4-2 with five minutes to play in the game.

Both players exchanged shoves inside Sabres goaltender Craig Anderson’s crease. Matthews then cross-checked Dahlin to the side of the head. The Buffalo player tried to throw a punch in retaliation.

Matthews has no history of supplemental discipline.

Buffalo won the outdoor showcase 5-2, with Matthews scoring his 45th goal of the season in defeat.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 12, 2022.