The initial appeal goes to NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. If Bettman upholds the suspension, Hartman has the right to appeal to a neutral arbitrator. NEW YORK — The NHL Players’ Association said Wednesday it had filed an appeal on Ryan Hartman’s behalf after the Minnesota Wild forward was suspended 10 games for roughing.

Hartman stood at the end of the bench on Saturday, smiling in disbelief, as the refs announced he'd been kicked out of the game. In his meeting with the league, Hartman claimed he was attempting to use his hand to regain his balance using Stutzle for support and that their fall to the ice was accidental.

Minnesota Wild forward Ryan Hartman was suspended for the fifth time in his career. He also has been fined seven times.