Auston Matthews' trophy bids just became a touch more interesting.
The NHL's Department of Player Safety swiftly came down on the Maple Leafs star after a brutal cross-check to the head of Rasmus Dahlin in Sunday's Heritage Classic loss to the Buffalo Sabres, assessing a two-game suspension Monday.
Matthews was given only a minor penalty for the vicious blow delivered with five minutes left in Sunday's showcase.
It's a bit of a curious decision given that Matthews has next to no suspension or disciplinary history in parts of six seasons. The NHL's leading goal scorer tried to explain his intent following the game, telling reporters that he was targeting Dahlin's shoulder and that his stick rode up the body and into his head.