Scheifele suspended 4 games for hit on Evans

Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele has been handed a four-game suspension for charging Montreal Canadiens forward Jake Evans on Wednesday, the NHL's Department of Player Safety announced Thursday.

"In short, this is a player who has traveled a considerable distance, is moving with exceptional speed, and is fully aware of his momentum, who chooses to charge into a vulnerable opponent with a high, predatory hit that causes an injury," head of player safety George Parros explained.

Parros also noted Scheifele "made significant head contact" on the play.

Scheifele was initially assessed a charging major and a game misconduct. This marks the first time he's been suspended or fined in his career.

The 28-year-old led the Jets with 63 points during the regular season. Without him until Game 6 of the series, Winnipeg's depth down the middle of the ice will be tested, especially given that Paul Stastny missed Game 1 with an injury. The Jets' remaining centers are Pierre-Luc Dubois, Adam Lowry, and Nate Thompson. Wingers Andrew Copp and Blake Wheeler also have prior experience at the position.

Evans had to be stretchered off the ice and is out indefinitely with a concussion. Habs defenseman Joel Edmundson vowed to make Scheifele pay if he returns in the series, saying "we're going to make his life miserable."

Cody Eakin received the last charging suspension of at least four games back in 2016, notes Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

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