Montreal Canadiens star hit with hefty fine for roughing up Ridly Greig

The NHL's Department of Player Safety announced the fine following a preseason clash between the two Atlantic Division rivals at Bell Centre.

The infraction stemmed from a physical exchange midway through the second period, with both players earning matching two-minute minors for roughing at the 9:17 mark.

The scuffle broke out amid a chaotic frame that also saw penalties for interference and hooking on both sides, adding an extra layer of intensity to an already tightly contested matchup between the two Canadian clubs.

A $5,000 penalty represents the ceiling for supplementary discipline under the current collective bargaining agreement when a suspension is not levied. That money is directed to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund rather than staying with the league office, a standard practice for fines of this nature across the NHL.

Matheson was not otherwise disciplined beyond the in-game minor and the subsequent fine, meaning he remains available and in the lineup for Montreal's upcoming schedule.

This is not the first time Matheson has drawn attention from the league's disciplinary arm. The veteran blueliner has been fined on multiple occasions throughout his career for physical incidents, underscoring his reputation as a hard-nosed defender willing to play on the edge.

Greig, for his part, escaped further discipline for his role in the roughing minor, continuing a season in which the young Senators forward has already been a frequent topic of conversation around the league for his physical style of play.

Fans should expect additional friction whenever these two Original Six era rivals meet again this season.

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