NHL Commissioner Reduces Ryan Hartman’s Suspension to Eight Games
Headline: NHL Commissioner Reduces Ryan Hartman’s Suspension to Eight Games
Introduction:
On February 3, 2023, the NHL Player Safety department announced a 10-game suspension for Minnesota Wild forward Ryan Hartman for roughing against Ottawa Senators’ Tim Stutzle. Upon appeal, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has reduced the suspension to eight games.
Background:
During a faceoff late in the second period of a February 1 game, Hartman was alleged to have used his forearm to violently slam Stutzle’s head into the ice. The incident occurred after a previous altercation between the two players.
Hartman has a history of disciplinary action, with four previous suspensions and seven fines during his career. The NHL Player Safety department noted that he has been disciplined roughly once every 60 games.
Appeal Process:
The NHL Players Association (NHLPAs) appealed the 10-game suspension, arguing that Hartman’s action was not intentional and that the punishment was excessive compared to previous roughing suspensions.
Under the collective bargaining agreement, the first appeal is heard by the commissioner, who can then refer the case to an independent arbitrator. Bettman heard Hartman’s appeal on February 14 in Montreal.
Commissioner’s Decision:
Commissioner Bettman disagreed with Hartman’s contention that the incident was accidental, stating that if Hartman were off-balance and bracing himself on the play, there were other actions he could have taken.
However, Bettman granted the NHLPAs request to reduce the suspension to eight games. While precedent allows for increased punishment for repeat offenders, Bettman deemed a jump of seven games from the three-game suspension in April 2022 to be excessive.
"In light of Mr. Hartman’s prior suspension of three games, I believe that a suspension of eight games should be sufficient to serve as an appropriate wake-up call to Mr. Hartman, causing him to re-evaluate his conduct on the ice and make positive changes to his game," Bettman wrote.
Impact:
Hartman has already served four games of the suspension and is eligible to return on March 4.
The original 10-game suspension would have cost Hartman $487,804.90 in lost pay. The reduction to an eight-game suspension lowers the financial penalty to more than $390,000.
The suspension, which was originally the longest of the 2023-24 season, now matches the eight games given to New York Rangers’ forward Matt Rempe.
Conclusion:
Commissioner Bettman’s decision to reduce Hartman’s suspension to eight games reflects a balance between acknowledging Hartman’s prior disciplinary history and ensuring that the punishment is proportionate to the specific incident. The suspension serves as a reminder to all NHL players of the importance of maintaining appropriate conduct on the ice.
