Maple Leafs defenceman Mike Van Ryn suffered a concussion, broken nose and a broken bone in his hand following a checking into the boards by Montreal's Tom Kostopoulos. (Nathan Denette/Canadian Press)

The NHL determined Monday that Tom Kostopoulos's check from behind against Toronto defenceman Mike Van Ryn was worthy of three games in the press box for the Montreal Canadiens forward.

Kostopoulos was assessed a five-minute boarding penalty and game misconduct after ramming the Maple Leafs blue-liner while the latter retrieved the puck in the corner during Saturday's 6-3 Canadiens loss in Toronto.

"While it is my determination that Kostopoulos did not deliver a check to an unsuspecting opponent, his actions caused injuries," NHL vice-president Colin Campbell said in a statement.

Van Ryn remained on the ice for several minutes after sustaining a concussion, broken nose and broken bone in his hand. He will miss several weeks of action.

"First and foremost, I sincerely regret the injuries suffered by Mike Van Ryn," Kostopoulos said in a statement released by the Canadiens. "I was just trying to get in on the forecheck and get the puck. I didn't anticipate him turning and couldn't stop.

"I never intend on injuring another player. I hope he is going to be all right and resume playing as quickly as possible."

The incident sparked debate between those who felt Van Ryn should not have turned his back on the play and those who say a defenceman should have the right to protect the puck without getting slammed from behind.

Kostopoulos will forfeit almost $33,000 US in salary that will go to the NHL players' emergency assistance fund and is eligible to return Nov. 16 at St. Louis after missing games against Ottawa, Boston and Philadelphia.

With files from the Canadian Press