NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announced that he has reduced the suspension of Minnesota Wild forward Ryan Hartman from 10 games to 8 on Monday.
The decision marks the first time in which the commissioner has reduced a suspension issued by the Department of Player Safety since 2021.
In a succinct press release, the DOPS stated “National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman today upheld the suspension that was assessed to Minnesota Wild forward Ryan Hartman for roughing Ottawa Senators forward Tim Stutzle during NHL Game No. 828 in Ottawa on Feb. 1. However, the Commissioner reduced the length of the suspension from 10 to eight games.”
The 72 year old didn’t disagree that the Wild forward’s actions were suspension worthy in his review, but felt that the jump to 10 games based on Hartman’s history seemed excessive.
In his ruling, Bettman wrote “Although I conclude that an escalation from Mr. Hartman’s prior three (3) game suspension to ten (10) games is not proportional here, I find that an eight (8) game suspension is both appropriate and supported by clear and convincing evidence.”
To date, Hartman has already served 4 games and will be eligible to return on March 4th when the Wild take on the Seattle Kraken. The suspension marks the 4th time since April of 2023 in which Hartman has been suspended for his actions by the league.
“I do find that an increase of seven (7) games from Mr. Hartman’s last suspension to this one is excessive in this case and that the quantum of increase should be reduced,” Bettman continued. The commissioner concluded by stating that he hopes the process causes Hartman “to reevaluate his conduct on the ice and make positive changes of his game.”
As a result of the reduction, Hartman will earn back nearly $98,000 in salary. The Wild are next in action on Tuesday night against the visiting Detroit Red Wings.
Photo: Jenn G. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.