John Scott gets seven game suspension for Eriksson hit.

Oct 23, 2013; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman John Scott (32) and Boston Bruins defenseman Adam McQuaid (54) fight during the third period at First Niagara Center. Bruins beat the Sabres 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Yesterday, John Scott discovered his fate over his illegal check to Loui Eriksson‘s head. After deliberating, the Department of Player Safety decided to suspend the Sabres’ “forward” (goon is more accurate) for seven games.  John Scott had no history of supplemental discipline, and the factored in his favor. However, that hit did cause a concussion, and Eriksson has yet to return to the game.

Here is the explanation offered by Brendan Shanahan on the suspension. (NHL)

Everything Shanahan says make sense here. (Yeah, that sounds weird.) There is something in Shanahan’s argument that should actually worry the Boston Bruins. At one point of his explanation he discusses the amount of hits Scott has, and states that Scott still has a responsibility to factor in his 6’8″ size in his hits. The only player bigger than Scott, is the 6’9″ Zdeno Chara. Chara escaped a possible suspension earlier in the year over a head hit to the San Jose Sharks’ Tommy Wingels.

In my opinion, the league is sending a direct, but sub rosa message to Chara. Yes, you’re a big fella, but if you pull the kind of hits that Scott is pulling, you can expect to see yourself before the Department of the Player Safety. The Bruins should look to the Scott suspension and try to be a little more careful with Chara’s size and power. Obviously, asking him to water down his game is folly to the point of stupidity. They will need to make sure Chara doesn’t make those high head hits though.

The seven game suspension means that Scott will forfeit $26,923.05. That money will go to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund. With the amount of suspensions racking up this season, the emergency fund will be able to help out a lot of people this year. Scott will eligible to play again on November 8th, when the Sabres will have their turn at the Anaheim Ducks.