The Ottawa Senators will be forced to start their next campaign without one of their most energetic young forwards. The NHL Department of Player Safety announced on Monday that Ridly Greig has been suspended for two regular-season games following a roughing incident during the team's final playoff matchup against the Carolina Hurricanes.
The Ridly Greig suspension comes as a result of an altercation involving Hurricanes defenseman Sean Walker. The league reviewed the footage and determined that Greig’s actions met the criteria for supplemental discipline, ensuring that the forward will spend the first two games of the 2026-27 season in the press box rather than on the ice.
Details of the Roughing Incident
The play in question occurred during the high-stakes environment of the postseason. As the Senators fought to keep their season alive against Carolina, tensions boiled over. According to the league's report, Greig engaged in a roughing sequence with Sean Walker that went beyond the standard physical play expected during a playoff series. While playoff hockey is known for its increased intensity, the Department of Player Safety ruled that Greig’s actions were targeted and excessive.
Under the NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement, suspensions earned during the final game of a team's season—whether in the regular season or the playoffs—carry over to the start of the following regular season. This rule ensures that players remain accountable for their conduct, regardless of when the infraction occurs in the league calendar.
Impact on the Ottawa Senators Lineup
Losing Greig for the opening two games of next season is a significant blow to the Senators’ depth. Greig has established himself as a versatile piece of Ottawa’s middle-six, known for his ability to play a gritty, "pest" style while also contributing offensively. His absence will force head coach and management to shuffle their lines early in the year, potentially giving a prospect an opportunity to fill the void during the opening week.
The Senators have relied on Greig to provide energy and defensive responsibility. Without him, the team loses a player who is often tasked with neutralizing the opponent's top scoring threats. The Ridly Greig suspension means the Senators will have to find that defensive edge elsewhere as they look to start their next campaign on a winning note.
The Department of Player Safety’s Stance
The NHL has been increasingly consistent regarding roughing and unnecessary contact after the whistle. By issuing a two-game ban, the league is sending a clear message that even in the heat of a playoff elimination game, players must maintain a level of composure. The decision to suspend Greig highlights several key factors considered by the league:
- The nature of the contact: The league looked at whether the hit was a hockey play or a retaliatory action.
- Injury status: While the severity of any potential injury to Sean Walker was considered, the act itself was the primary driver for the two-game duration.
- Player history: Greig’s previous record with the Department of Player Safety plays a role in determining the length of any suspension.
Looking Ahead to Next Season
With the suspension now official, the focus for Ridly Greig and the Ottawa Senators shifts to the offseason. Greig will be eligible to participate in all preseason activities and exhibition games, which will be crucial for maintaining his conditioning and timing before he serves his mandatory two-game stint at the start of the regular season.
For the Hurricanes and Sean Walker, the incident is now in the rearview mirror as they move forward. However, for the Senators, the fallout of their final playoff game will linger into the first week of next October. Ottawa fans will have to wait just a little longer to see Greig back in action as the team aims to build on their recent playoff experience.
As the NHL continues to prioritize player safety, incidents like these serve as a reminder of the fine line between playoff intensity and illegal conduct. The Senators will now have to plan their opening night roster with the knowledge that one of their key agitators will be watching from the sidelines.
Sources & Original Reporting
