NEW YORK – Vancouver Canucks defenseman Alex Edler has been suspended for three games, without pay, for an illegal check to the head of San Jose Sharks forward Tomas Hertl during NHL Game No. 56 in Vancouver on Thursday, October 10, the National Hockey League's Department of Player Safety announced today.

Edler is considered a repeat offender under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and based on his average annual salary, he will forfeit $182,926.83. The money goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.

The incident occurred at 19:46 of the second period. No penalty was assessed on the play.

For a full explanation of the Department of Player Safety's decision, complete with video, please click on the following link: http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=60&id=456728&lang=en