Maple Leafs' Nazem Kadri suspended 3 games for hit to head on Wild goalie

Toronto Maple Leafs center Nazem Kadri (43) collides with Minnesota Wild goalie Niklas Backstrom, of Finland, during the first period of an NHL hockey game in St. Paul, Minn., Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2013. Backstrom left the game later in the period. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt) (The Associated Press)

NEW YORK – Toronto Maple Leafs center Nazem Kadri was suspended for three games without pay by the NHL on Thursday for a hit to Minnesota goalie Niklas Backstrom's head.

Kadri received a minor penalty for goaltender interference on the first-period play Wednesday night in the Maple Leafs' 2-1 shootout loss at Minnesota. Backstrom left the game a few minutes later.

Kadri received a match penalty in the third period for hitting Mikael Granlund in the head

The suspension will cost Kadri $44,615. He has five goals and nine assists in 18 games this season.