Tampa Bay Lightning forward to face massive suspension for actions vs. the Florida Panthers

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Julien Trekker
October 3, 2024 (10:47)

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The NHL Department of Player Safety announced that Tampa Bay Lightning forward Conor Geekie is facing a massive suspension for his actions in last night's game against the Florida Panthers.

In last night's preseason Battle for Florida between Tampa Bay and Florida, we got to see a lot of action. It all started when Josh Davies, the Panthers 186th overall pick in �2022 landed a big open-ice hit on the Lightning new captain, Victor Hedman. Right after the play, Nikita Kucherov stepped in to defend his teammate, and dropped the gloves against Davies.

Later in the game, Davies, had to fight again; this time, with Conor Geekie.

Geekie jumped on the ice and went straight to Davies to start an altercation, still angry about Davies' hit on Hedman.

With all the injuries to star players we've witnessed in the preseason so far, including to Montreal Canadiens' Patrik Laine, it's only normal to see players defending their teammates in order to send a message to their opponents.

Unfortunately for Geekie, this could earn him a big suspension.

The Department of Player Safety announced in a recent post on X that Geekie will have a hearing on Thursday afternoon. While Frank Seravalli clarified that it's not the automoatic 10-game suspension, Geekie should still face consequences:

Geekie, 20, was drafted 11th overall by the Arizona Coyotes in 2020 and joined the Lightning in the deal that sent Mikhail Sergachev to the Utah HC.

The 6'4" center played in the WHL last season, scoring 99 points in 55 regular season games, as well as nine points in nine playoff games. It wouldn't be surprising to see him start the season with the Lightning, but the organization could still decide to send him down to the AHL if they believe it'll be better for his development.

We're eager to know the Lightning's decision, as well as the DoPS' decision on Geekie's fate.