Final Wideman Verdict Not Until March 7
By Ryan Pike
8 years agoIf you’re hoping to get some clarity on the status of Calgary Flames blueliner Dennis Wideman, you’re going to be waiting for awhile. Yes, even longer than you already have.
Multiple reports from multiple sources came out yesterday, with the common thread being that Wideman’s fate likely won’t be known until the week of March 7.
THE TIMELINE
Here’s how it’s gone.
- January 27: Flames play Nashville (Wideman/Henderson collision in second period).
- January 28: NHL announces indefinite suspension for Wideman, pending a hearing.
- February 2: Hearing with Colin Campbell in Toronto.
- February 3: NHL announces 20-game suspension for Wideman. NHLPA announces appeal to Gary Bettman. Flames play Carolina (Game 1 of suspension).
- February 5: Flames play Columbus (Game 2 of suspension).
- February 6: Flames play Vancouver (Game 3 of suspension).
- February 9: Flames play Toronto (Game 4 of suspension).
- February 10: Hearing with Gary Bettman in New York.
- February 11: Flames play San Jose (Game 5 of suspension).
- February 12: Flames play Arizona (Game 6 of suspension).
- February 15: Flames play Anaheim (Game 7 of suspension).
- February 17: NHL releases Gary Bettman’s decision, 20-game suspension upheld. NHLPA announces appeal to independent arbitrator. Flames play Minnesota (Game 8 of suspension).
- February 19: Flames play Vancouver (Game 9 of suspension).
- February 21: Flames play Anaheim (Game 10 of suspension).
- February 23: Flames play Los Angeles (Game 11 of suspension).
- February 25: Hearing with independent arbitrator (day 1) in New York. Flames play NY Islanders (Game 12 of suspension).
- February 26: Hearing with independent arbitrator (day 2) in New York.
- February 27: Flames play Ottawa (Game 13 of suspension).
- February 29: Flames play Philadelphia (Game 14 of suspension).
- March 1: Flames play Boston (Game 15 of suspension).
- March 3: Flames play Buffalo (Game 16 of suspension).
- March 5: Flames play Pittsburgh (Game 17 of suspension).
- March 7: Projected date for independent arbitrator’s ruling. Flames play San Jose (Game 18 of suspension).
- March 9: Flames play Nashville (Game 19 of suspension).
- March 11: Flames play Arizona (Game 20 of suspension).
However you feel about Wideman or about the incident itself, the fact that his suspension will be four days away from being completely served by the time the appeals process is completed is an absolute joke. (And bear in mind, “week of March 7” means “week beginning March 7,” so his suspension might actually be over by the time the final verdict is announced.
OH YEAH…
Greg Wyshynski’s discussion of the impending Wideman verdict included an interesting section about the Flames potentially being investigated by the league for how they followed (or didn’t) the league’s concussion protocol.
Daly
said the League is looking into that breakdown, in light of the fact
that Wideman’s defense was based on his having been concussed.“We’ve had some discussions with the Flames. If we have something to announce, we’ll announce after Wideman [ruling],” he said.
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