Chandler Stephenson suspended for elbowing Kings player

Golden Knights center Chandler Stephenson was suspended three games by the NHL on Thursday for elbowing.

Stephenson hit Los Angeles Kings defenseman Tobias Bjornfot in the head in the corner of the offensive zone in the second period of the Knights’ 4-2 loss Wednesday at T-Mobile Arena. He also will forfeit $71,120.70 in salary.

Stephenson had a hearing with the NHL’s Department of Player Safety before his punishment was announced. He argued he did not intend to hit Bjornfot in the head, but the league said “this is not the case where a blow to an opponent’s torso or shoulder rides up and makes glancing contact with his head. This is a direct and forceful elbow to an opponent’s head, which caused an injury.”

Bjornfot is doubtful for the Kings’ game Friday, coach Todd McLellan said.

The hit led to the first major penalty and game misconduct of Stephenson’s career. He had only 32 penalty minutes in his first 240 games.

Stephenson has 20 points in 32 games. His absence will create a significant short-term hole for the Knights.

“He’s a big piece for us,” center Tomas Nosek said before the suspension was announced. “He’s got great speed and a lot of skill. He’s playing penalty kill and power play, so if he can’t play, it’ll be a big miss for sure.”

Thompson honored

Silver Knights goaltender Logan Thompson was named the American Hockey League’s goaltender of the month for March on Thursday.

Thompson also won the award in February. He’s the first back-to-back winner since Michael Hutchinson in November and December 2017.

The 24-year-old was 6-1 in March with a 1.86 goals-against average and .950 save percentage. For the season, his .947 save percentage ranks first in the AHL, and his 1.84 goals-against average is second.

“Game after game, it seems like he’s making big saves,” defenseman Jimmy Schuldt said. “It helps us play a little bit more free knowing we have a goalie that’s up for the task, and when we make mistakes, he’s been pretty dialed in almost every game, every shot.”

Gusev on waivers

Former Knights forward Nikita Gusev was placed on waivers Thursday by the New Jersey Devils.

Gusev is in the final season of a two-year, $9 million contract. He has five points in 20 games, and the Devils have been outscored 14-2 with him on the ice at five-on-five.

The Knights received a 2020 third-round pick, which they used to select defenseman Lukas Cormier, and a 2021 second-round pick for Gusev.

Contact Ben Gotz at bgotz@reviewjournal.com. Follow @BenSGotz on Twitter.