Hartman suspended 10 games for dangerous hit on Stutzle

Ryan Hartman of the Minnesota Wild has been suspended for 10 games by the NHL for roughing Ottawa Senators player Tim Stutzle. Hartman was penalized for slamming Stutzle's head into the ice during a faceoff, an action deemed by the NHL as 'inherently dangerous and unacceptable'. This is Hartman's fifth suspension, and he is considered a repeat offender under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, resulting in a forfeiture of $487,805 in salary. The suspension follows a Zoom hearing and Hartman has the option to appeal to Commissioner Gary Bettman and potentially a neutral arbitrator. Stutzle suffered a cut but returned to play, while Hartman has faced previous suspensions and fines for various infractions, indicating a pattern of disciplinary issues. The suspension is the longest for on-ice conduct this season, emphasizing the NHL's stance on player safety and rule enforcement.