The NHL has handed down a two-game suspension to Ottawa Senators forward Ridly Greig, a penalty that will carry over to the start of next season. The league announced the decision on Monday, citing roughing as the infraction following an incident during the Senators' final playoff matchup against the Carolina Hurricanes.

While the playoffs are a time when emotions run high and physical play intensifies, the league's Department of Player Safety determined that Greig's actions crossed the line. The suspension means the gritty forward will miss the first two regular-season games of the upcoming campaign, serving as a reminder that postseason incidents can have offseason consequences.

For Senators fans, this is a tough blow heading into the summer. Greig has quickly become a fan favorite known for his tenacity and willingness to mix it up along the boards. His absence in those early games will leave a gap in Ottawa's bottom-six forward group, especially when every point matters in the tight Atlantic Division race.

As we look ahead to next season, this suspension adds an extra layer of strategy for the Senators' coaching staff. They'll need to adjust their lineup for the season opener, and Greig will have to watch from the sidelines as his teammates hit the ice without him. For now, the young forward will have plenty of time to reflect on the play and prepare for his return in Game 3.