Report: Dennis Wideman Suspension Reduced To 10 Games
By Ryan Pike
8 years agoThe Dennis Wideman saga has finally ended, according to reports. And in keeping with this entire month-long process, it has ended in the most frustrating manner possible for everybody involved.
Multiple reports are indicating that independent arbitrator James Oldham has reduced Wideman’s suspension from 20 games down to 10 games.
Once this decision becomes official and Wideman is declared “active,” the Flames would have seven healthy defenders and be forced to either return Tyler Wotherspoon to the American Hockey League or burn off one of their two remaining post-deadline recalls to keep him on the roster.
A 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: Flames play San Jose (Game 18 of suspension).
- March 9: Flames play Nashville (Game 19 of suspension).
- March 11: Suspension reduced to 10 games. Flames play Arizona (Game 20 of suspension).
So set the Way-Back Machine to February 23, gang. The Flames have gone 7-10-2 without Wideman, including 2-5-2 in the nine games that Wideman will retroactively get paid for not playing. The suspension reduction makes his fine for colliding with Don Henderson back in late January “just” $282,000.
As for the Flames?
At least they got to audition some new faces.
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