(Reuters) - Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman James Wisniewski and Minnesota Wild forward Brad Staubitz were each handed multiple-game suspensions for illegal hits during the teams' pre-season game on Friday.
Both players were banned for the balance of the pre-season with Wisniewski dealt an extra eight-game ban to start the regular season and Staubitz suspended for another three, the National Hockey League (NHL) said on Monday.
Staubitz was suspended for his hit from behind on Columbus forward Cody Bass during the game. He was assessed a major penalty and game misconduct for the hit.
Staubitz will miss a combined seven games and not be available until the October 13 game against Edmonton while Wisniewski, who will miss a total of 12 games, can return on October 25 versus Detroit.
(Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto; Editing by Ian Ransom)
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