Maple Leafs Prospect Handed Multi-Game Suspension Following Dangerous Incident in Finland

Just a few days after his on-ice incident during a contest in Finland's SM-Liiga placed him in hot water, Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Roni Hirvonen has officially been suspended.

After Karpat had scored a goal, Hirvonen seemingly cross-checked Mikko Perttu in the face as he skated off to celebrate with the rest of his team. Hirvonen was near the slot when the shot was fired from the point, and once it went past the goaltender, he can be seen giving Perttu a hard shot to the head.

The play in question was under review, whereupon the match referees confirmed a 5-minute penalty a game misconduct. The situation was also escalated to the Liiga disciplinary delegation, where they ruled a 2-game suspension was warranted.

In their official report they deemed that Hirvonen cross-checked Perttu after the goal, the point of contact was his face, and it was deemed reckless endangerment of an opponent, which fit the criteria of a suspension.

Initial belief was that it could stretch well beyond 2 games, perhaps even closer to 5, however the league felt otherwise. Hirvonen is allowed to appeal to the Sports Legal Security Board within 30 days of the decision.

The 23-year-old was drafted by the Leafs in the second round of the 2020 draft, and after two years in the AHL between 2023 and 2025, he signed with Karpat of the SM-Liiga in the summer.

While his future with the Maple Leafs remains in limbo, he should return back to his scoring ways in Finland once he serves his 2-game suspension, as the young forward has 5 goals and 12 points in 11 games thus far.