NEW YORK -- Phoenix Coyotes forward Paul Bissonnette has been automatically suspended without pay for 10 regular-season games 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. 9 against the Los Angeles Kings on Sunday night in Glendale, Ariz.

At 12:09 of the first period, Bissonnette was assessed a game misconduct 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, Bissonnette will forfeit $37,820.51. The money goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.

Bissonnette will be eligible to return to the Coyotes' lineup on Oct. 24 at Los Angeles.