Ducks’ J.F. Jacques is suspended three games by NHL

Ducks forward J.F. Jacques was suspended three games by the NHL for an illegal check to the head of Columbus forward R.J. Umberger on Sunday, a misdeed that will cost him $23,780.49 as a repeat offender.

Jacques delivered the hit as Umberger followed through on a shot, “making his head the principal point of contact,” NHL disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan said in a video on the league’s website. Shanahan issued his ruling Monday after conducting a phone hearing with Jacques, who was suspended for part of the preseason and five regular-season games for leaving the bench to start a fight in an exhibition game.

“J.F. hit a player that was vulnerable after shooting the puck, and he needs to be more aware in those situations,” Ducks General Manager Bob Murray said. “We accept the league’s ruling and will move forward.”

Ducks defenseman Francois Beauchemin also had a phone hearing with Shanahan as the result of a hit that left Columbus’ Jeff Carter with an injured shoulder. Beauchemin was not fined or suspended.

Earlier in the day, the league suspended Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand five games for what Shanahan called “a predatory, low hit delivered intentionally” to Vancouver defenseman Sami Salo on Saturday.

Marchand initially got a major penalty for clipping and was ejected from the game, a rematch of last season’s Stanley Cup final. Shanahan rejected Marchand’s claim that the hit was an evasive maneuver.

As a repeat offender — Marchand served a two-game suspension last season — Marchand will forfeit $152,439.02 to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

helene.elliott@latimes.com