NEW YORK -- Toronto Maple Leafs forward David Clarkson has been automatically suspended for 10 regular-season games, without pay, as a result of being assessed a game misconduct penalty for leaving the bench on an illegal line change to join an altercation during NHL preseason game No. 61 against the Buffalo Sabres on Sunday, Sept. 22, in Toronto.

At 10:01 of the third period, Clarkson was assessed a game misconduct penalty under Rule 70.6, which states: "A game misconduct penalty shall be imposed on the player who was the first or second player to leave the players' or penalty bench during an altercation or for the purpose of starting an altercation, from either or both teams."

The suspension is mandated by Rule 70.10, which states: "The first player to leave the players' or penalty bench illegally during an altercation or for the purpose of starting an altercation from either or both teams shall be suspended without pay for the next 10 regular League and/or playoff games of his team."

Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, and based on his average annual salary, Clarkson will forfeit $269,230.80. The money goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.

Clarkson will be eligible to return to the Maple Leafs' lineup on Oct. 25 at Columbus.