Niklas Hjalmarsson suspended for preseason, opener for charging

NEW YORK -- Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson has been suspended for the rest of the preseason and the regular-season opener against St. Louis for charging Blues forward Ty Rattie.

Hjalmarsson loses $22,777.78 in salary, which goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund. The NHL's Department of Player Safety announced the punishment on Monday.

Hjalmarsson's hit on Rattie occurred at 18:55 of the third period of Chicago's 4-0 exhibition win Saturday. Hjalmarsson received a match penalty for an illegal check to the head.