Gary Bettman reaches conclusion in Ryan Hartman suspension appeal

Earlier this month, Wild forward Ryan Hartmann was suspended ten games for roughing Senators forward Tim Stutzle.

The decision came as a surprise to some, not for the fact that he was suspended, but by the length of it.

Even though Hartman was considered a repeat offender, ten games did seem like a bit much for the infraction.

In a a rare move, Hartman elected to appeal the suspension, hoping to get his sentence reduced.

While it is quite rare for that to actually occur, the longer the suspension, generally the better the odds are that the player can get a couple of games knocked off.

Apparently, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman agreed with this argument, at least to an extent, as he made his decision with Hartman this afternoon.

Hartman's suspension was officially reduced from 10 games to 8.

That being said, this does not give Hartman a pass to continue his borderline behavior.

He will still be considered a repeat offender of he crosses the line again for the next year and if he does so, he could very well face another suspension of ten games if not more, and in that case, his appeal will likely not be successful.

Keep in mind, that Hartman risked lengthening the suspension as well, as the commissioner reserves the right to do so in these cases.

Hartman has 7 goals and 17 points in 48 games this season for the Wild. He has 135 career goals and 295 points in 628 games.