According to multiple reports, the 10-game suspension delivered to Anaheim Ducks centre Antoine Vermette will be reduced by the NHL.
On Thursday night, the NHL officially announced that Vermette had been suspended 10 games for slashing a linesman after a faceoff.
The incident, which occurred Tuesday night, led to Vermette’s ejection for abuse of an official. According the rule book, the category that Vermette’s slash was determined to fall under came with an automatic 10-game suspension.
Automatic Suspension – Category II – Any player who deliberately applies physical force to an official in any manner (excluding actions as set out in Category I), which physical force is applied without intent to injure, or who spits on an official, shall be automatically suspended for not less than ten (10) games.
Vermette had the right to appeal that automatic suspension to commissioner Gary Bettman, who could reduce, increase or uphold the 10 games.
UPDATE: On Friday, the NHLPA officially requested a review of Vermette’s suspension.
Last season, Calgary’s Dennis Wideman received a Category I suspension for hitting a linesman into the boards and that came with an automatic 20-game suspension. It was appealed to an independent arbitrator, who reduced it to 10 games.
