5+ Games? NHL Confirmed to Drop the Hammer on Connor Zary for Cheap Spot on Elias Pettersson

Vancouver Canucks rookie defenseman Elias Pettersson was forced to leave Wednesday's game after being jumped by Calgary's Connor Zary in the first period.

After reviewing the incident post-game, the National Hockey League's Department of Player Safety wants to have a word with Connor Zary.

In a post on social media on Thursday morning, the National Hockey League's Department of Player Safety announced that Connor Zary will have a hearing with them for elbowing/roughing on Elias Pettersson.

The incident occurred just over halfway through the first period when Elias Pettersson laid a big open ice hit on Calgary Flames forward Nazem Kadri.

Connor Zary wasn't too pleased with the hit and proceeded to jump an unsuspecting Elias Pettersson, catching the rookie defenceman in the side of the head with his glove.

Zary was given a two minute minor on the play for interference, while Elias Pettersson left the game and did not return.

After the game when asked for an update by reporters, Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet said that Elias Pettersson is still being evaluated and that he'll need to speak with the trainers to see how he's doing.

Pettersson, a native of Vasteras, Sweden, has appeared in 15 games during his rookie season in Vancouver where he's put up two assists, two penalty minutes and is a minus-two.

We'll likely find out later today what the verdict is on Connor Zary's hearing and if he'll be suspended by the National Hockey League, but it's safe to say that the former first rounder will be missing some crucial upcoming games for the Calgary Flames.