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Maple Leafs forward Phil Kessel suspended rest of preseason for slashing

Toronto Maple Leafs right winger Phil Kessel is suspended for three preseason games for slashing. (Getty Images)

Maple Leafs forward Phil Kessel is suspended for three preseason games for slashing. (Getty Images)

The National Hockey League suspended Toronto Maple Leafs forward Phil Kessel on Tuesday three preseason games for slashing Buffalo Sabres forward John Scott on Sunday, the league announced.

The slash occurred in the third period of the game and a match penalty for slashing (attempting to injure) was assessed on the play.

Kessel slashed Scott twice and gave him a spear, and he was ejected from the contest. His slash erupted into a benches-clearing brawl.

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The league has said they endorse the use of a swinging stick for self-defense.

Brendan Shanahan, the league's Director of Player Safety, explained the suspension for Kessel.

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