Penguins' Evgeni Malkin Suspended 5 Games for Slashing Sabres' Rasmus Dahlin

NHL suspends Malkin for head hit, costing him nearly $160,000 in lost salary

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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The NHL has suspended Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin for five games after he was assessed a major penalty for slashing Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin on the head during a game. The suspension will cost Malkin nearly $160,000 in lost salary.

Why it matters

Malkin is a star player for the Penguins, who are already dealing with the absence of captain Sidney Crosby due to injury. The suspension comes at a critical time as the Penguins battle for playoff positioning in the Metropolitan Division.

The details

Video showed that Malkin and Dahlin made contact at the side of the Buffalo net, with Dahlin cross-checking Malkin first. Malkin then raised his stick and struck Dahlin on the helmet and shoulder. The NHL's Department of Player Safety determined the contact was not accidental.

  • The incident occurred 35 seconds into the second period of the Penguins' 4-1 loss to the Sabres on Thursday, March 7, 2026.
  • Malkin was assessed a minor penalty for cross-checking, a major penalty for slashing, and a game misconduct.

The players

Evgeni Malkin

A 39-year-old forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins who has been fined five times and suspended twice previously in his NHL career.

Rasmus Dahlin

The Buffalo Sabres defenseman who was struck in the head and shoulder by Malkin's slash.

Sidney Crosby

The captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins who is currently out with a lower-body injury for a minimum of four weeks.

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What’s next

The Penguins will have to adjust their lineup without Malkin for the next five games as they continue their push for a playoff spot.

The takeaway

This suspension highlights the NHL's continued emphasis on player safety and the consequences star players face for dangerous on-ice actions, even if they are in retaliation to a previous play.