The controversies continue in NHL and it looks like Ryan Hartman just can’t seem to stay out of the spotlight—or the penalty box. And now, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman is in the mix too. Earlier this month, the Minnesota Wild forward found himself hit with his fifth NHL suspension, and this one came with a serious price tag. The league’s Player Safety department didn’t hold back, slapping him with a 10-game suspension for roughing Ottawa Senators’ Tim Stützle, a decision that drained a whopping $487,804.90 from his paycheck. The play? Well, let’s just say it wasn’t exactly a textbook hockey move. Hartman “used his forearm to violently slam” Stützle’s head into the ice during a faceoff late in the second period.
While Hartman argued it was just an accident—claiming he was trying to steady himself—the league wasn’t buying it. “This is not a hockey play,” they declared in their ruling, calling the act “inherently dangerous and unacceptable.” Stützle took a nasty cut to the head, but bounced back in the third period, stitched up and ready to go. Hartman, however, wasn’t so lucky, earning a match penalty and an in-person hearing—a sure sign the league was ready to throw the book at him. But just when everyone thought the case was closed, the story took an unexpected turn, and let’s just say, the fans are not thrilled with Gary Bettman’s decision.
On February 24, Pierre LeBrun, the go-to insider for TSN, RDS, and The Athletic, dropped some unexpected news on X. “In a statement after hearing the player’s appeal, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announces he’s reduced Ryan Hartman’s suspension from 10 to 8 games. Which, well, is surprising.” Fans were already fired up about the original ruling, and now, with this sudden change, the debate just got even hotter.
In a statement after hearing the player’s appeal, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announces he’s reduced Ryan Hartman’s suspension from 10 to 8 games.
Which, well, is surprising.
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) February 24, 2025
The fans did not hold back on this one, and honestly, can you blame them? As soon as Gary Bettman announced his decision, the backlash came rolling in. One fan summed it up perfectly, saying, “Absolutely horrible look for Bettman and the NHL. Even the Wild organization (and fans) were supportive of the 10 game suspension length for a player that has learned NOTHING from previous punishment. NHL is a JOKE!” And let’s be real—when the original suspension dropped, not a single fan was out here defending Hartman. Another user kept it blunt, “The guy had like 12 player safety-related incidents before this one. Sit it out.” Yeah, not much room for debate there.
And then came the outrage over the NHLPA’s appeal. One fan didn’t mince words, calling it out directly: “Appeal a play where Hartman used a WWE move and drove an opponent’s head into the ice? Should be 10 games.” Now, no one’s questioning Hartman’s talent—he’s got the skills, the goals, and the game to back it all up. But when it comes to the way he carries himself off the puck? Well, let’s just say… the guy’s got a reputation, and it’s not exactly squeaky clean. But this was just the beginning!
Fans furious with Gary Bettman’s decision!
This story is developing…
The post Calls Mount Against NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman’s Shocking Suspension Decision: “Absolutely Horrible” appeared first on EssentiallySports.
