The National Hockey League (NHL) Commissioner decided to maintain a suspension given to Minnesota Wild’s forward, Ryan Hartman, which was initially set for a 10-game period. However, after Hartman personally appealed, the suspension was reduced to eight games. This decision was made following an incident where Hartman slammed the head of Ottawa Senators player, Tim Stutzle, onto the ice on February 1. This altercation resulted in Stutzle sustaining cuts and bruising near his left eye, requiring five stitches.
Commissioner Gary Bettman expressed in his review that although the penalty was somewhat reduced, he considered it a significant message for Hartman to reassess his conduct during the game and adjust his approach on the ice for the better. Bettman justified the reduced penalty by comparing it to Hartman’s previous three-game suspension, deeming the initial 10-game ban excessive.
This is the fifth time in Hartman’s career that he has faced suspension, with this being the fourth in the span of 22 months. Over the current season, Hartman has made an impact with seven goals and 10 assists across 48 games. He is set to return to the lineup for the Wild’s game against Seattle on March 4.
Bettman’s ruling marks a rare occasion where an NHL suspension has been reduced upon appeal, the first of such cases seen in over three years. The last incidence was in December 2021 involving Jason Spezza. In only two of the last eight appeals has Bettman opted to alter the initial disciplinary decision made by the NHL’s Department of Player Safety, but he stood firm in his belief that Hartman’s history and the dangerous nature of the play justified a significant suspension.
The situation unfolded during a faceoff when Stutzle was in a compromised position trying to gain control. Hartman used his right forearm to push Stutzle down during the play, leading to an immediate match penalty ejection. Bettman dismissed Hartman’s argument that he was merely trying to steady himself and not attempting a deliberate act. The NHL Players Association filed an appeal on February 5, and Hartman’s personal meeting with Bettman occurred on February 14.
Bettman noted, “The abundance of faceoffs during an NHL season, without similar incidents, supports my conclusion that Hartman’s actions were not accidental, but rather intentional.” This statement was part of Bettman’s comprehensive evaluation posted by the league.
