TORONTO (Reuters) - Chicago Blackhawks left wing Ben Eager has been suspended for three games for attempting to injure a Dallas player during a pre-season game last week, the NHL said Wednesday.

Midway through the third period of last Thursday's game against Dallas, Eager was assessed a match penalty for his altercation with Stars left wing Sean Avery, the league said.

Eager, who was on the bench at the time, swung his stick in the direction of Avery, who was on the ice.

The 24-year-old Eager will miss the Blackhawks first three games, against the New York Rangers, Washington and Nashville. He will be eligible to return on October 15 when the Blackhawks face Phoenix.

(Writing by Steve Ginsburg in Washington, editing by Pritha Sarkar)