David Clarkson removed from preseason game for 'precautionary reasons' after goal, fight
David Clarkson's preseason got off to an eventful start Friday in Buffalo.
After a rather inauspicious debut season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, the $5.25-million-a-year man appeared in his first exhibition game after being held out of the start of training camp due to a lower-body injury.
In 8:30 of ice time against the Sabres, Clarkson tipped in a Roman Polak point shot to give Toronto its fifth goal of the night, then engaged in fisticuffs with Cody McCormick early in the third period.
At that point, he was removed from the game.
#Leafs say David Clarkson will not return for precautionary reasons. He fought Cody McCormick in the third.
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) September 27, 2014
The exact reason for Clarkson's removal was not immediately made known, but as per Chris Johnston of Sportsnet, his right eye was "swollen shut" after taking a couple hard and direct punches to the face from McCormick.
As such, the Maple Leafs certainly weren't going to take any chances with the health of their second-highest paid forward.