Blackhawks' Brett Connolly To Have Hearing For Interference

NHL Player Safety has announced that Chicago Blackhawks forward Brett Connolly will have a hearing on Sunday for interference on Dallas Stars forward Tanner Kero.

Chicago’s Brett Connolly will have a hearing today for Interference on Dallas’ Tanner Kero.
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) December 19, 2021

The big thing worth noting is that Connolly's hearing is not an in-person one. As a result of this, he will not be receiving a suspension greater than five games. However, that does not automatically mean that a suspension isn't coming. When looking at the nature of the hit and Kero having to leave the game on a stretcher, it certainly is fair to argue that Connolly deserves one.

On the play, Alexander Radulov dumps the puck out along the boards. Although the puck is near Kero, it is in the air and clearly going by him when Connolly unexpectedly threw the hit. He was never going to gain possession of it, so the hit was entirely unnecessary on Connolly's end.

We'll have to wait and see what kind of punishment Connolly receives. Keep in mind, we've seen players have hearings this season and receive just fines or even no discipline as a result of them. Time will tell if Connolly will be spared, too.