As expected, the NHL has suspended Anaheim Ducks forward Antoine Vermette ten games for his abuse of an official. Vermette slashed linesman Shandor Alfonso after a faceoff on Tuesday, resulting in a game misconduct and this automatic ten-game ban. Vermette is expected to appeal, according to John Shannon of Sportsnet.
As Shannon notes, it will cost Vermette $97,222.22 while he’s held out. The money will go to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund, which helps former players in times of financial stress. If he doesn’t appeal, he’ll be out until March 12th when the Ducks take on the Washinton Capitals. The team has already called up Corey Tropp from the San Diego Gulls to replace him.
This suspension comes right alongside the six-game ban that Gustav Nyquist was given yesterday for a high stick on the Minnesota Wild’s Jared Spurgeon. While many people thought that was too few, others think this is too many. There isn’t much room for debate on this one, as it was an automatic penalty according to the CBA, though the Commissioner does hold the power to lessen it under the appeal process.
10 game joke.
Nyquist and Vermette should have their suspensions reversed
No. NyQuist should get 10 but Vermette should get more. There should be no levels of suspension for unnecessary contact with an official.
^^^^^^ 100% accurate. These guys should not be getting off so light. Should be 20 games for Vermette and 15 for Nyquist. Both plays are not needed.