GRAND RAPIDS – It looks like Grand Rapids Griffins defenseman Brendan Smith will have to wait a little longer to start his season.

On Thursday afternoon, the American Hockey League ruled Smith ineligible until Oct. 18.

Smith was suspended by the NHL on Sept. 30 for five regular-season games and the final three preseason games for an illegal check to the head he delivered to the Chicago Blackhawks’ Ben Smith while playing with the parent club Detroit Red Wings on Sept. 28.

According to the AHL, a player who is under suspension in another league or organization who seeks to play in the AHL while under that suspension will have the relevant disciplinary matter independently reviewed by the AHL president, who may in his discretion deem the player ineligible.

Smith will miss the Griffins’ first three games this season, including their season opener at Rockford on Saturday night.

It seems like an odd and harsh ruling, since Smith still must serve the five games when he is recalled to the NHL. The AHL suspension will not affect his NHL punishment.

Smith, 22, is coming off a stellar rookie season, when he led all AHL rookie defenseman with 12 goals and was named to the AHL All-Star Classic and All-Rookie team.

E-mail Michael Zuidema: mzuidema@grpress.com and follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/michaelzuidema