The match-up between the Ottawa Senators and the Minnesota Wild was much more than just another NHL game. It was more of a literal battleground when Ryan Hartman and Tim Stützle came to the face-off circle and things escalated quickly. When the puck was in Minnesota’s territory, Hartman did not delay and, with his right hand off the stick, performed an action that generated buzz in the hockey community. As Stützle moved in for the grab, Hartman placed his forearm on the back of his head and drove him face-first into the ice—at least, that’s how NHL Player Safety saw it.

Stützle was left with a cut near his eyebrow, but wasn’t about to sit this one out. Already having scored a goal, he got stitched up, went back to the ice, and did not forget to make his presence felt—creating two power-play assists in the third period – and making a hefty contribution to the Senators’ 6-0 win. But while Ottawa was rejoicing, Hartman was in trouble and on the verge of suspension which has divided fans.

NHL Player Safety hit up X on February 3 with a bombshell update, announcing, “Minnesota’s Ryan Hartman has been suspended for ten games for roughing Ottawa’s Tim Stützle.” And just like that, the hockey world went wild! Fans had a whole lot to say—some calling it fair, others thinking it was a bit much, and a few just enjoying the drama unfold.

One thing’s for sure—this suspension has got everyone talking, and the takes are as fiery as the hits on the ice.

One fan jumped into the comments, raising an eyebrow at the league’s decision, saying, “Seems a little extreme.” And honestly? They may not be wrong—this could be Ryan Hartman’s longest suspension. We are discussing the largest ban, for on-ice conduct since Tom Wilson received a 20-game suspension in 2018 for an unlawful check to the head.

That one was later reduced to 14 on appeal (although Wilson had missed 16 by that point). Therefore, it is not surprising that Hartman’s fans are pinning their hopes on a similar one. However, this was just the beginning. As soon as the news was out, the comment section became a war zone, with people expressing their opinions from all sides.

Fans debate over Ryan Hartman’s ban decision!

Another fan added another view by saying, “In a bubble this seemed excessive. Knowledge of Harriman’s history with fines and suspensions make it much more reasonable.” And honestly? They’re not wrong—because this is not the first time he has been suspended and this time, it is not only affecting his ice time but his pocket too. Hartman will lose $487,804.90 of his salary and all the money will be directed to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

And let’s be real—this isn’t some one-off mistake. This is his fifth suspension in the course of his 13-year professional NHL career and he has also been fined seven times. His first suspension was in the year 2023 when he missed a match for a hit on Winnipeg Jets’ Nikolai Ehlers. Subsequently, while wearing the Nashville Predators jersey, he received another one-game suspension for an illegal hit to the head of Carl Soderberg in the fifth game of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. So, naturally, another fan wasn’t feeling too sorry for him, saying, “That’s a lot of games, but he deserves it after what he did.”

Another fan wasted no time jumping to Hartman’s defense, exclaiming, “TEN GAMES?! What are y’all on?!” Not what I would call a rare reaction. Some fans were absolutely stunned by the length of the suspension, wondering if the NHL had gone a little overboard with this one.

But here is the thing—Hartman is not without any options. He has the right to appeal, and to start with, he can take his case directly to the commissioner, Gary Bettman, and if he is still not satisfied with the outcome, he can take it to an independent arbitrator selected by the NHL, and the players’ association. So while some fans are calling for justice, others are just straight-up confused, with one user echoing the sentiment, “10 games?!”

But let’s be real—Ryan Hartman’s got a history, and it’s not just the players who have been on the receiving end of his outbursts. The last time prior to this turmoil was back in April 2024, when he opted to release his anger—physically by throwing his stick at an official following the Wild’s 2-1 overtime defeat to the Vegas Golden Knights. That little outburst cost him three games.

Well, yes, not all people are out here to defend him. A few fans even expressed their delight that the NHL was more strict this time around. One user didn’t hold back, saying, “Good. Finally real suspensions.Shoulda suspended him for the rest of the season.” Harsh? Maybe. Still, based on his past, many people believe that the league is making a stand at last.