Nazem Kadri won't be eligible to play again until a potential Game 5 against the Boston Bruins.

The Toronto Maple Leafs forward has been suspended three games for boarding Boston's Tommy Wingels in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series Thursday night.

Kadri was given a five-minute charging major and a game misconduct for hitting Wingels in the numbers and into the boards midway through the third period.

In its video explanation, the NHL's Department of Player Safety said Kadri drove "recklessly into the defenseless Wingels, causing his head to dangerously impact the boards."

The league acknowledged that Wingels hit Toronto forward Mitch Marner up high moments before the Kadri hit, but said players are never allowed to "retaliate in an illegal fashion," adding that plays like this are seen as retribution or "message sending" against a defenseless opponent and won't be tolerated.

Kadri's hit came with the Bruins leading the Leafs 4-1 in an eventual 5-1 victory. Game 2 goes Saturday night in Boston.