Minnesota Wild forward Ryan Hartman faced the consequences of his actions after the team’s overtime loss to the Vegas Golden Knights. The NHL’s Department of Player Safety handed down a three-game suspension to Hartman following a phone hearing to address his unsportsmanlike behavior. The incident occurred when Hartman threw his stick towards officials in frustration for a non-call on a high-sticking play involving Vegas defenseman Noah Hanifin.
After Jonathan Marchessault scored the game-winning goal in overtime, Hartman’s frustration boiled over. He left the bench area, only to return and launch his stick onto the ice in the direction of the officials and players from both teams. This action led to a 10-minute game misconduct penalty for the use of abusive language, further highlighting the severity of his behavior.
The Department of Player Safety took into account Hartman’s history of fines and suspensions throughout his 10-year career. With seven previous fines and three suspensions, including a recent two-game ban for tripping, Hartman’s status as a repeat offender played a significant role in determining the length of his suspension. Despite Hartman’s argument that he did not intend to harm anyone with his stick, the league deemed his actions unprofessional, unacceptable, and intolerable.
As a result of the suspension, Hartman will miss the Wild’s upcoming home games against the Ottawa Senators, Colorado Avalanche, and Winnipeg Jets. In addition to the three-game absence, he will forfeit $62,195.13 based on his average salary, with the money being allocated to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund. This financial penalty serves as a reminder of the repercussions of unsportsmanlike behavior in the NHL.
Despite the disciplinary action, Hartman’s on-ice performance cannot be overlooked. With 42 points (19 goals, 23 assists) and 72 penalty minutes in 68 games this season, he has been a consistent contributor to the Wild’s lineup. Throughout his career, Hartman has accumulated 275 points (126 goals, 149 assists) and 577 penalty minutes in 574 games with multiple teams. As the Wild strive for a wild-card playoff spot, his absence will undoubtedly be felt on the ice.
Ryan Hartman’s suspension serves as a cautionary tale for players in the NHL about the importance of maintaining composure and professionalism on and off the ice. While his talent and contributions to the team are evident, the consequences of his actions must be addressed to uphold the integrity of the sport and ensure a safe playing environment for all involved.
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