Ryan Hartman’s 10-game suspension is the talk of the town currently. Heavy controversial discussions have been going on since the NHLPA came in support of the player after filing an appeal on his behalf. Backing him up was not something anyone probably would have thought of, but it was an attempt at it that came in favor of Ryan.

Giving his take on the matter, two NHL Insiders, Kyle Bukauskas and Elliotte Friedman, in a recent episode of 32 Thoughts, stated their share of opinions following the appeal announcement coming in positively for the Minnesota Wild center. They started off mentioning the past incidences similar to this one, getting some leavage in the number of suspensions that included Tom Wilson and Dennis Widemans.

“They announced that they are going to appeal his 10-game suspension this week, so I went and did some looking okay. Because the 2 other times where we have seen long suspensions reduced by the independent arbitrator, right? Tom Wilson. Dennis Wideman. Yes, so Tom Wilson was 16 games into his 20-game suspension when it was reduced back to 14, uh, from the day that they filed the appeal to when the arbitrator ruled the decision 39 days total, okay? Okay. Dennis Weidman’s case to 20 games reduced to 10,” Kyle expressed to Elliotte.

With the Player’s Association appeal coming in favor of Ryan Hartman, the decision looks forward to bringing down some cut to the fined amount worth $487,804.90. Taking away a notable sum from his salary, the loss suffered from the suspension might give some relief if the independent arbitration comes into effect.

Speaking to Kyle, Elliotte reflected, “There’s 37 days total between announcing the appeal and the decision. There are 32 days between the day that Hartman and the PA filed their appeal back on Wednesday and the 10th game that the Wild are slated to miss. So, of course, part of the appeal process is to see if you can try to get a little bit of salary back out of this, but you got to get through Bettman first. I know before, the independent arbitrator comes into play. Do you think there’s a chance? Because of the 4-ANations break that’s going to spread out? How long, how many days until you hit the 10th game here for Hartman? And the Minnesota Wild, do you think there’s a chance? There’s a resolution before then.”

Whether any solution to the suspension is possible is something that remains a question. With Ryan Hartman’s testimony yet to be heard, the deliberate action taken against Tim Stutzle has put him under negative attention. But an appeal made by the NHLPA might result in a big turnover.

“I don’t think Hartman will get reduced, and even to be reduced beyond the independent arbitrator, it would have to be cut in half, and Bettman is certainly not doing that. Like he’s not cutting this in half, so we’re going to the independent arbitrator at some point here. Um, uh, but, you know, it’s a, it’s a tough case. Um, but as I’ve said to you before, I generally don’t think the Players Association appeals to them unless they get a chance; they think they have a chance to win. Like, you don’t want; these are all lawyers, right? And you don’t want precedent against you in stone,” Elliotte continues.

The appeal by the NHLPA has received quite the negative response from fans worldwide. This, however, came into effect on February 6. Ryan Hartman, who has been given a 10-game suspension from his February 1 match against the Ottawa Senators, is getting the help needed to save his reputation. Now, what do we know about the incident and the appeal so far?

NHLPA appeals Ryan Hartman’s 10-game suspension

The Minnesota Wild center received the fifth suspension of his career. His roughing act against Ottawa Senators player Tim Stutzle was one aggressive move made in the match. The incident happened at the end of the second period. With just 16 seconds left, the two players were facing each other at the moment. Desperate to win, Hartman went towards him and, using his forearm, attempted to slam Tim’s head on the ice. Stutzle received a head injury and suffered stitches. The player, however, returned back in action in the next round, making two assists and giving a win to its team by 6-0. Hartman, on the other hand, ended with a match penalty.

Suspended for his actions by 10 games by the NHL Department of Player Safety on February 3, Hartman had over 48 hours to make an appeal on his ban from the league’s ruling. His appeal would first go under the verification of NHL commissioner Gary Bettman. This, however, comes into effect if a player is suspended for six games at a minimum. If supported by him, the Wild’s center is then eligible to make his second appeal to a neutral arbitrator.

With no answer coming from his side, the NHL Players’ Association revealed their decision on social media two days later, on their decision to file Ryan Hartman’s appeal on his behalf. Faced with a suspension like this, Hartman has been receiving the negativity and remains out of the competition as of now. It would be a big loss for the Minnesota Wild to miss out on their star player for the upcoming games.