Vegas Golden Knights forward Brett Howden was suspended two games for delivering an illegal check to the head of Seattle Kraken forward Brandon Tanev on Tuesday night, the NHL Department of Player Safety announced Wednesday.

Howden will lose $19,791.66 in pay with the money going to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

Howden made contact with Tanev as the latter was about to receive a pass in the neutral zone with 14:00 left in the third period in Vegas’ season-opening 4-1 win on Tuesday. Howden was assessed a match penalty for the hit on Tanev, who did not return to the game.

Player Safety said the hit was “avoidable.”

Howden had a hearing over the hit earlier Wednesday. He will miss Thursday’s road game against the San Jose Sharks and Saturday’s home game against the Anaheim Ducks.

Signed to a two-year, $3.8 million contract in the offseason, Howden recorded an assist on Chandler Stephenson’s goal at 7:16 of the first period.

Howden had 13 points (six goals, seven assists) in 54 games last season before stepping up in the playoffs with 10 points (five goals, five assists) in 22 games. His contributions helped the Golden Knights win the Stanley Cup.

He has totaled 83 points (31 goals, 52 assists) in 280 career games with the New York Rangers and Knights. Vegas acquired him from the Rangers prior to the 2021-22 season.

–Field Level Media