Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares has been fined $5,000 US, the NHL's department of player safety announced Sunday.

Tavares was issued the fine for slashing Oilers defenceman Vincent Desharnais in Saturday's game.

The incident occurred at 3:41 of the third period and Tavares was assessed a minor penalty.

Tavares assumed position near Edmonton's net but after multiple pushes from Desharnais, who was behind him, the defenceman's stick got caught between Tavares's arms as they ended up next to one another jockeying for position.

After they separated, the Leafs centre hit Desharnais's right hand with his stick and the defenceman shook his glove off and held his hand as he winced in pain.

The Maple Leafs captain scored twice in his team's 7-4 victory.