Ryan Hartman Receives Three-Game Suspension: NHL Department of Player Safety Takes Action

The NHL Department of Player Safety has suspended Minnesota Wild forward Ryan Hartman for the second time this season and the fourth time overall.

This time, Hartman faces a three-game suspension for unsportsmanlike conduct, adding to a list of previous fines he has accumulated.

The incident leading to Hartman’s suspension occurred during overtime in a game against the Vegas Golden Knights. Following a goal by Golden Knights forward Jonathan Marchessault into an empty net, Hartman was captured on camera screaming from the bench and hurling his stick in the direction of the officials. 

The reckless action nearly resulted in striking teammate Matt Boldy. As a result, Hartman received a ten-minute misconduct penalty during the game, which escalated to the subsequent three-game suspension announced by the league. (https://www.hanakaimaui.com/)

Ryan Hartman’s Suspension Highlights NHL Values

Ryan Hartman stated in his answer to the disciplinary action that he didn’t mean to hurt anyone, and the league took note of this statement when making its judgment. The length of Hartman’s disciplinary record, however, surely contributed to the suspension’s severity.

The Wild will surely feel Hartman’s absence in the lineup, especially as the team competes for a postseason berth. Hartman has considerably aided the Wild’s on-ice efforts this season, tallying 19 goals and 23 assists in 68 games.

The team presently trails the Los Angeles Kings by seven points for the final wild-card slot in the Western Conference, so winning every game is necessary to make it to the postseason. The Wild will need to adjust to Hartman’s absence as the season nears its conclusion and come together to face the obstacles that lie ahead.

Hartman and the Wild will certainly suffer as a result of the suspension, but it also serves as a reminder of how crucial responsibility and good sportsmanship are in the NHL. 

The league’s ideals are poignantly brought to players’ attention by this disciplinary action, which also serves as a reminder that they should be upheld off the ice.