The NHL made its decision about whether supplemental discipline was necessary for Johnny Beecher sucker-punching Michael McCarron.
The Flames forward was suspended for one game for roughing McCarron, the NHL Department of Player Safety announced Sunday. The incident occurred late in the first period of Calgary’s eventual 4-3 loss to the Nashville Predators.
Beecher and McCarron were paired up in a scrum and Beecher sucker-punched McCarron as the officials were trying to separate everyone.
The two forwards received matching two-minute minors for roughing and 10-minute misconducts.
This marks the first time Beecher has been suspended in his career.
The Predators took exception to Beecher’s punch later in the game when Nic Hague dropped the gloves with Beecher. The Predators defenseman handily won the bout.
Beecher appeared to favor his left arm after the fight. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported the 24-year-old might end up missing more than one game due to being injured.
Beecher began the 2025-26 season with the Boston Bruins, but was placed on waivers and claimed by the Flames in November. The former first-round pick was in and out of Marco Sturm’s lineup and was unable to find a consistent role.
