NHL Reduces Ryan Hartman’s Suspension from 10 to 8 Games

Commissioner Gary Bettman upheld the suspension for intent to injure but ruled the original length was disproportionate to Hartman’s prior disciplinary history.

Minnesota Wild forward Ryan Hartman’s suspension was reduced from 10 games to 8 after an appeal to NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.
The suspension stemmed from Hartman driving Ottawa Senators forward Tim Stützle's head into the ice during a February 1 game, leaving Stützle with a cut requiring five stitches.
Bettman concluded that the act was intentional but not predatory and reduced the suspension, citing a lack of precedent for such a sharp increase in penalty length.
Hartman, a repeat offender with four suspensions in the past 22 months, was deemed to need a 'wake-up call' to improve his on-ice conduct.
Hartman will be eligible to return for the Wild’s March 4 game against the Seattle Kraken, having already served four games of his suspension.