Wild's Suter suspended 2 games for elbow to the head of Penguins' Downie

The NHL's Department of Player Safety has suspended Minnesota Wild defenseman Ryan Suter for elbowing Pittsburgh Penguins forward Steve Downie in the head Tuesday.

Suter, who leads the league in time on ice with 29:34 per game, will be eligible to return to Minnesota's lineup for Monday's game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. He will forfeit $81,058.72 in salary as a result of the suspension.

Related: Penguins' Downie practices, expects to play Friday

The Department of Player Safety cited the lack of injury on the play and Suter's clean disciplinary history as factors in determining the length of the suspension.