Dennis Wideman Suspended 20 Games

After being suspended indefinitely prior to his Tuesday hearing, Calgary Flames defenseman Dennis Wideman has been suspended for 20 games by the NHL.

The suspension comes as a result from the incident on January 27 when Wideman cross-checked an official while on his way to the bench. Wideman claimed he didn’t see the referee because he was dazed from a hit he took moments prior, but the league clearly didn’t buy that excuse.

Wideman will be eligible to return to the Flames lineup for their game against the St. Louis Blues on March 14. Until then, he’ll have to get nice and cozy on the couch, and watch his teammates try and get back into the playoff race from home.

Wideman will forfeit $564,516.20 in salary from the suspension. The money will go to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

Do you think the punishment fit the crime? Let’s talk about it in the comment section below.