Wisniewski, Staubitz draw suspensions

NEW YORK, Sept. 26 (UPI) -- The NHL Monday handed lengthy suspensions to Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman James Wisniewski and Minnesota Wild forward Brad Staubitz.

Wisniewski was suspended for a total of 11 games for delivering a hit to the head of Minnesota's Cal Clutterbuck during a pre-season game Friday at St. Paul, Minn. The 27-year-old will miss the final three pre-season games and the first eight regular-season games for the incident, for which received a minor penalty for an illegal check to the head.

Staubitz received a six-game suspension stemming from another hit in the same game. The Wild enforcer was whistled for a game misconduct and major penalty when he checked Columbus forward Cody Bass from behind 4:24 into the third period.

The NHL ruled Staubitz will miss the final three Wild pre-season games, as well as its first three games of the regular season.

Staubitz, 27, won't be eligible to return until the Wild face Edmonton in an Oct. 13 contest.