Edler suspended 2 games for kneeing Leafs' Hyman

Vancouver Canucks defenseman Alex Edler is suspended two games for kneeing Toronto Maple Leafs forward Zach Hyman during Sunday's contest, the NHL Department of Player Safety announced.

Hyman exited the game and didn't return. Edler was assessed a five-minute major and game misconduct on the play.

This marks the third time Edler has been suspended during his 15-year NHL career. He missed three games for a hit to the head of San Jose Sharks forward Tomas Hertl during the 2013-14 campaign.

The 34-year-old was also suspended while representing Sweden at the 2013 world championships for kneeing Canadian forward Eric Staal. The ban carried over to the 2014 Sochi Olympics, causing Edler to miss the opening contest of the tournament.

Hyman, 28, is playing at a personal-best 29-goal pace over a full 82-game season. He's also averaging a career-high 19:22 of ice time per game and leads all Maple Leafs forwards with 69 hits.

"We just hope (Hyman) is ok," Maple Leafs captain John Tavares said after the game, according to Postmedia's Lance Hornby. "The elements he brings to our team, you can't replace.

"He's battled through so many things since I've been here. He was optimistic in the room (after), hopefully it's not serious."

The Canucks - who were playing their first game in nearly a month due to a COVID-19 outbreak - won the contest 3-2 in overtime.