Wild Forward Ryan Hartman Won’t Accept Suspension Without a Fight

And this isn’t Hartman’s first time making questionable decisions on the ice involving the physical wellbeing of opponents. In fact, entering last weekend’s contest vs Ottawa, the 30-year-old former first round pick had already been suspended four previous times by the NHL.

All of that led to the fifth suspension of Hartman’s professional hockey career, a whopping 10-game penalty handed down on Tuesday, the longest in Minnesota Wild history and the lengthiest in the league this season. But that doesn’t mean Ryan Hartman has to go quietly.

Ryan Hartman appealing record-setting 10-game suspension

As previously rumored, it was announced Wednesday that Hartman is appealing his suspension, meaning his case will now be reviewed by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, who rarely reduces suspensions.

Really, the appeals process in the National Hockey League appears to be broken. In most cases, according to Michael Russo (The Athletic), player suspension appeals aren’t even heard until the suspensions are over, making the process completely pointless.

But for the MN Wild and Hartman, an upcoming two week break for the 4 Nations Tournament makes the appeal attempt at least worth a try. Prior to his suspension, Ryan Hartman had accumulated 7 goals and 10 assists in 48 games, good for a disappointing -8 +/- on the season.