John Moore will be a spectator for the New York Rangers’ next five games.

The National Hockey League on Wednesday handed the fourth-year defenceman a five-game suspension for an illegal check to the head of Minnesota Wild forward Erik Haula on Monday night.

Moore was kicked out at 7:12 of the second period for a blatant hit to the head of Haula that resulted in a match penalty.

A repeat offender, Moore will forfeit $51,859.75 based on his average annual salary, per the league’s collective bargaining agreement.

By limiting John Moore's suspension to five games or fewer, the NHL is sending an message about headshots. That message: "Meh." —@Proteautype

In May, Moore was suspended two games for an illegal check to the head of Montreal forward Dale Weise in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference final.

The 23-year-old Moore will miss home games Saturday and Monday against Winnipeg and St. Louis, respectively. He will also sit out Nov. 5 versus Detroit, at Toronto Nov. 8 and the following night against the visiting Edmonton Oilers. Moore will be eligible to return on Nov. 11 at home against Pittsburgh.

Former Toronto Maple Leaf Michael Kostka is expected to replace Moore in the lineup beginning Saturday. He hasn't played since he committed two turnovers that led to goals in a loss to the New York Islanders on Oct. 14, Kostka's lone appearance this season.

Click below to listen to the explanation from the NHL’s department of player safety regarding Moore’s punishment and vote in our poll.

In the video, the league said the nature of the hit, Haula's resulting injury, and Moore's repeat offender status were key factors in determining the punishment.

"Just after Haula releases the puck, Moore drives into him forcefully with his left shoulder," the video narrator said. "While initial contact is made with Haula's shoulder, the main point of contact is Haula's head."

Also in Monday's game, Rangers forward Chris Kreider received a game misconduct for boarding Jonas Brodin of the Wild at the end of the first period but won’t receive any further punishment.

Moore's suspension follows Monday's two-game suspension handed San Jose Sharks enforcer John Scott for leaving the bench the previous night to fight Anaheim's Tim Jackman, which set off a line brawl and a total of 165 penalty minutes.

On Tuesday night, Ottawa Senators defenceman Eric Gryba put himself in potential suspension conversation when he was assessed a five-minute major and game misconduct at 8:04 of the second period for elbowing Columbus forward Artem Anisimov near the head area. Anisimov, who has a history of head injuries, left the game with what the Blue Jackets termed an upper-body injury and didn’t return.