The Dennis Wideman saga continues to drag on. The defenseman was suspended 20 games for running over linesman Don Henderson just before the All-Star break.
While Wideman appealed his suspension, commissioner Gary Bettman upheld all 20 games on review. Wideman and the NHLPA are using their final appeal to take his case to a neutral arbitrator. This will be the first time that this option has been used under the current CBA.
The big concern for Wideman and the Calgary Flames is that, after Sunday’s game, Wideman will have already missed 10 games. If the suspension is reduced below 10 games, Wideman will have missed those games and there’s no way to get those back.
But, Sportsnet’s Damien Cox reports that if Wideman’s appeal is successful and the suspension is reduced below 10 games, he will be able to get withheld money back. Wideman is currently losing $28,226 per game while suspended, he would be reimbursed for missed games if his suspension is lowered to fewer games than he has already served.
The hearing with the neutral arbitrator is expected to occur some time during the coming week, possibly Wednesday or Thursday, according to Cox.
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