NHL defenseman Nikita Zadorov has been fined the maximum allowable amount of $5,000 for punching Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Alex Vlasic during a game, the league's Department of Player Safety announced Tuesday.
The incident occurred in a recent matchup between Zadorov's team and the Blackhawks. Zadorov was assessed a minor penalty for roughing at the time. The fine represents the maximum permitted under the collective bargaining agreement for a first offense of this nature.
Vlasic was not injured on the play. Zadorov, known for his physical style of play, has not previously been suspended or fined for similar incidents this season.
