Columbus D Klesla suspended two games for hit

TORONTO -- Defenseman Rostislav Klesla of the Columbus Blue Jackets will sit out two regular-season games for a questionable preseason hit, the first player suspended by the NHL this season.

Klesla was suspended Tuesday for the hit on Chicago forward Tuomo Ruutu, who is out four weeks with a sprained MCL in his left knee. Klesla will miss the opener Oct. 6 against Vancouver and the game the following day against the Blackhawks.

Klesla got a five-minute major for clipping Ruutu on Friday night.

Ruutu, Chicago's first pick and ninth overall in the 2001 NHL entry draft, signed a $3.75-million, two-year contract on the eve of training camp. He played only 15 games last season because of back and ankle injuries.