MONTREAL, QC - SEPTEMBER 19: Montreal Canadiens left wing Max Domi (13) battles with Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad (5) for position during the second period of the NHL preseason game between the New Florida Panthers and the Montreal Canadiens on September 19, 2018, at the Bell Centre in Montreal, QC

Ekblad calls Domi 'stupid' for punch that drew suspension

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Icon Sportswire / Getty

Aaron Ekblad didn't hold back Friday when asked about Max Domi's punch on Wednesday night that earned the Montreal Canadiens forward a suspension for the rest of the preseason.

When asked about the suspension, Ekblad told reporters, including Jameson Olive of the Florida Panthers' official website, "It's kind of a gift ... I don't want to comment too much on the league's decision, but I think it's wrong. That's life, though."

Ekblad, who has a history of concussions, added Friday that he wasn't concerned about having one as a result of Wednesday's incident. The Panthers blue-liner was pulled from the game by the NHL as part of the concussion protocol, but it was determined he didn't suffer a concussion or a broken nose.

Domi's suspension amounts to five exhibition contests and will not cost him any salary. He was assessed a match penalty following the incident, which can be seen below:

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