Leafs' Kerfoot suspended two games for boarding Avs' Johnson

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Alexander Kerfoot made his return to Colorado an infamous one and will be suspended two games because of it.

During Saturday’s action, Kerfoot sent Avalanche defenceman — and former teammate — Erik Johnson head-first into the boards with a push from behind while racing for the puck.

In his three years of being on an NHL roster, Kerfoot has not been suspended before and certainly does not carry that reputation around with him.

The 25-year-old forward has only 16 hits through 22 games played this season — one of them just happened to earn him a call from the league.

Kerfoot returned from a facial fracture on Nov. 21, but the Leafs will be without him for matchups against the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday and the Buffalo Sabres on Friday.

During practice on Monday, the 25-year-old forward showed remorse for the boarding.

“First and foremost, I think I'm disappointed in myself,” Kerfoot told reporters. “It was obviously a bad play. I know Johnson well and I just hope he's alright, I hope that he doesn't miss any time or anything like that. I feel terrible.”

Kerfoot continued to explain his thought process in the moment and the unfortunate timing of his check.

“He kind of unfortunately lost possession right as I was pushing him and then he stumbles and I pushed him into the boards. It's no excuse. It was unfortunate timing but it was also a bad play by me and I just hope he's alright.”

Through 22 games this season, the new Maple Leaf has five goals and eight points.

More Maple Leafs coverage from Yahoo Sports