Vicious hit in Colorado and Minnesota pre-season game could lead to first suspension of the year

During a Sunday matinee between the Avalanche and the Wild, we saw what will likely be the first suspension-worthy hit of the new season. Midway through the second period with the game tied at one, Avalanche forward Tanner Kero caught Wild defenceman Daemon Hunt as he emerged from behind the Wild net.

Hunt was pinched between another Avs forward and Kero, who made direct contact with Hunt's head. There was no penalty on the play and after remaining down momentarily, Hunt got up and received a stick tap from Kero.

While it appears incidental, no one ever knows how the NHL's Department of Player Safety will react to things they see because their rulings have historically been all over the place. However, given that Hunt was not seriously injured on the play and no penalty was called, it's possible that Kero won't face any supplemental discipline.

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