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Gary Bettman refuses to reduce suspension to Flames defenceman Andersson

Colton Pankiw
Colton Pankiw
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Oct 24 2023, 8:16 pm
Gary Bettman refuses to reduce suspension to Flames defenceman Andersson
@Sportsnet/X

The NHL and commissioner Gary Bettman have chosen to uphold the four-game suspension handed to Calgary Flames defenceman Rasmus Andersson.


Andersson was given a four-game suspension by the NHL’s Department of Player Safety for a dangerous hit on Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine. The hit was deemed to be a check to the head, and it was also determined that Andersson left his feet before impact was made. Many also deemed it highly unnecessary as it came with just two seconds remaining in what was a 3-1 win for the Blue Jackets.

Andersson, who has never been suspended through his 382-game career, chose to appeal the ruling, but to no avail.

“At the hearing, Mr. Andersson acknowledged that the hit was “not perfect,” and that he took responsibility for it,” Bettman wrote in his ruling. “Mr. Anderson has no significant history of supplemental discipline in his six (6) year NHL career, and his demeanour during the hearing was at all times respectful. I accept Mr. Andersson’s assertion that he accepts responsibility for the hit, and that he plays “hard” for the duration of the game no matter the score; however, the onus in this situation (particularly given the stage and status of the game) was on Mr. Andersson to deliver a clean hit.

“Although Mr. Laine’s head position was relatively low to the ice when he received and released the puck, Mr. Laine did not materially change his positioning just prior to the hit. Moreover, instead of remaining low to deliver his check through Mr. Laine’s core, Mr. Andersson instead chose to launch upwards in delivering the hit, almost ensuring contact with the head. (In this regard, I also find that despite Mr. Andersson’s assertion otherwise, the video is clear that Mr. Andersson’s feet elevated off the ice as he launched into Mr. Laine, delivering a forceful blow to Mr. Laine’s head.)

“It also bears noting that given the circumstances of the game at the time of this play, where the game was seconds from ending and was out of reach for Calgary, Mr. Andersson’s hit was completely unnecessary, making it also irresponsible. In these circumstances, while Mr. Andersson has no significant history of supplemental discipline and no reputation as a dirty player, he ultimately bore the responsibility here to deliver a clean and fair hit, failing which, the imposition of supplemental discipline was warranted and appropriate.”

With this ruling, Andersson will remain sitting out for the next three games, including Sunday’s Heritage Classic versus the Edmonton Oilers.

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