DETROIT (WXYZ) -- Red Wings forward Gustav Nyquist wanted to make it clear Tuesday that he's not a dirty player.
"This isn't the player I am," Nyquist told reporters after practice at Joe Louis Arena. "I haven't been in this situation before, so this is new for me. But I hope people don't think that's the kind of player I am."
Nyquist is scheduled to have a phone hearing Wednesday with NHL Player Safety to discuss a high-stick on Minnesota's Jared Spurgeon in Sunday's loss. Nyquist was given a penalty on the play, but did not receive a game misconduct.
Nyquist was originally invited to have an in-person hearing, which often indicates the possibility of a heftier punishment. However, Nyquist declined, opting for the phone hearing instead.
Head coach Jeff Blashill was quick to defend Nyquist on Tuesday.
"I've known Gus a long time," said Blashill. "In no way was that an intentional act by him. I saw the optics on it, but there's no chance it was an intentional play by him."
Thomas Tatar skated in Nyquist's spot on a line with Henrik Zetterberg and Anthony Mantha at practice Tuesday. Blashill said he wanted his team to be prepared in case Nyquist received a suspension.
The Red Wings host the Blues on Wednesday night in the first home game since the death of team owner Mike Ilitch.
