After delivering a hit to the head on New York Islanders defenceman Adam Pelech on Sunday, New Jersey Devils forward has been given supplementary discipline. Paul Cotter has been handed a two-game suspension.
New Jersey’s Paul Cotter has been suspended for two games for an illegal check to the head against NY Islanders’ Adam Pelech. https://t.co/mF1jSNZ9U3
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) April 14, 2025
Paul Cotter of the Devils Handed Two-Game Suspension
Cotter’s illegal hit came just over six minutes into the second period of the Devils’ game against the Islanders on Sunday. Pelech intercepted a Devils outlet pass around centre ice before dumping it into the New Jersey zone. However, as he brought his stick down from his follow-through, Cotter, who was the intended recipient of the initial Devils pass, delivered an aggressive shoulder to the head of Pelech.
Following the hit, Pelech could be seen bleeding. Fortunately, he eventually left the ice, yelling at Cotter as he did so. He did not return to the game, which the Islanders won 1-0. Now Pelech is listed as questionable for the Islanders upcoming Tuesday night game against the Washington Capitals.
The NHL’s Department of Player Safety made the announcement Monday. That being, Cotter will receive a two-game suspension for the illegal hit. Furthermore, this will force him to miss the team’s two remaining regular-season contests. Moreover, under the terms of the NHL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, Cotter will be forced to forfeit $8,072.92 in salary. This portion of his earnings will be donated to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
Cotter’s NHL History and State of the Devils
Cotter is currently in his third full season of NHL hockey. This is his first full season with the Devils. He was initially drafted by the Vegas Golden Knights in the fourth round of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. Cotter reached a career high in goals this season and was just three points away from tying his previous career-best point total. He currently sits at 16 goals and 22 points through 79 games. In contrast, he will now be unable to add any more to his personal stat sheet.
When Cotter does return to action with the Devils once playoffs start, the team will more than likely face the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round. This will be a tall task for a Devils team. The Devils will be without star centre Jack Hughes, who underwent season-ending shoulder surgery following an injury he sustained in a March 2 game against Vegas.
Main Photo Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images
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