Pittsburgh Penguins star Evgeni Malkin has been suspended five games for slashing Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin during Thursday's game. The NHL's Department of Player Safety announced the suspension Friday after a phone hearing with Malkin, who will forfeit $158,854.15 in salary for the incident.

Malkin received a five-minute major penalty and game misconduct when he retaliated against Dahlin with a stick swing to the head after being cross-checked. The 39-year-old veteran then attempted to fight Dahlin before referees intervened. This marks Malkin's third suspension in his career, following previous penalties in 2009 and 2022.

The suspension is a significant blow to the Penguins, who are already without captain Sidney Crosby due to a lower-body injury. Malkin has been having a strong season with 13 goals and 47 points in 45 games. Pittsburgh general manager Kyle Dubas acquired forward Elmer Soderblom from Detroit but avoided major roster moves, instead recalling Ville Koivunen from the AHL.