NHL Player Safety suspended Minnesota Wild forward Ryan Hartman for three games for unsportsmanlike conduct after throwing his stick and "verbally berating officials."
NHL Player Safety suspended Minnesota Wild forward Ryan Hartman for three games for unsportsmanlike conduct after throwing his stick and "verbally berating officials."
The NHL Department of Player Safety threw the book at Ryan Hartman after he threw his stick in the direction of officials.
NHL Player Safety announced the Minnesota Wild forward has been suspended three games as a result of his unsportsmanlike conduct at the tail-end of Saturday’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights.
After the Golden Knights scored on an empty net in overtime to seal the game, Hartman threw his stick from the bench toward the officials while “verbally berating officials in an inappropriate manner,” according to the Department of Player Safety ruling video.
“While we acknowledge Hartman’s argument that he was not trying to hurt or hit anyone with his stick, Hartman himself acknowledges his actions are unprofessional, unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” said the video explainer.
Hartman is classified as a repeat offender, having been suspended three times and fined seven times in his 574-game NHL career. He also has 28 penalties, tied for the 19th most this season.
The 29-year-old's most recent suspension came in late November when he was suspended for two games for slew footing Detroit Red Wings forward Alex DeBrincat.
Hartman also made headlines back in January when was fined $4,427.08, the maximum allowable under the collective bargaining agreement, for high-sticking Winnipeg Jets forward Cole Perfetti on Dec. 31.
Hartman has recorded 19 goals and 42 points in 68 games this season. The Wild re-signed him to a three-year, $12-million contract extension ahead of the 2023-24 season.
He will forfeit $62,195.13 in salary while suspended, which goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.