Ryan Hartman’s Suspension Reduced to Eight Games by NHL

Minnesota Wild forward Ryan Hartman had his 10-game suspension reduced to eight games by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman following an appeal. The suspension was a result of Hartman's actions during a February 1 game against the Ottawa Senators, where he pushed Tim Stutzle's head into the ice, leaving Stutzle with a cut requiring stitches. Bettman noted that while Hartman's actions were intentional and warranted a penalty, the increase from his previous three-game suspension to ten games was excessive. The commissioner hopes the eight-game suspension will serve as a wake-up call for Hartman, who has a history of similar infractions, marking his fifth career suspension. Hartman will be eligible to return to the lineup on March 4 against the Seattle Kraken. He currently has seven goals and ten assists in 48 games this season.