Panthers' Jesse Puljujarvi Suspended For 2 Games for Illegal Headshot

Florida Panthers forward Jesse Puljujarvi has been handed a two-game suspension by the NHL’s Department of Player Safety for an illegal check to the head of Tampa Bay Lightning forward Mitchell Chaffee.

The incident occurred during Tuesday night’s game, where the Panthers fell 5-1 to the Lightning. The following day, Puljujarvi was assigned to the AHL’s Charlotte Checkers.

Jesse Puljujarvi has been suspended for two games for an illegal check to the head on Mitchell Chaffee pic.twitter.com/bOaJXFa6TM

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 17, 2025

With under 12 minutes remaining in the third period, Chaffee was struck in the head by Puljujarvi after receiving a pass in the offensive zone. 

The hit sparked a scrum, leading to a fight between Panthers forward Nico Sturm and Lightning’s Zemgus Girgensons. Puljujarvi was given a match penalty and ejected from the game.

The 26-year-old winger, born in Sweden but raised in Finland, had played five games for the Panthers this season after signing a two-way contract last month. He recorded one goal during his stint with the team before being sent back to Charlotte.

Puljujarvi’s availability for the Panthers-Lightning first-round playoff series is now uncertain. 

Selected 4th overall in the 2016 NHL Draft, he has played 387 career games across eight seasons with the Panthers, Penguins, Hurricanes, and Oilers, tallying 58 goals and 70 assists.

Image - John E. Sokolowski-Imagn