NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman upheld the suspension of Minnesota Wild forward Ryan Hartman for slamming an opponent's head to the ice, while making the unusual decision on Monday to reduce the penalty from 10 games to the union-recommended eight after hearing Hartman's in-person appeal.

The Minnesota Wild's Ryan Hartman had been suspended 10 games for roughing, but Gary Bettman reduced the length after hearing an appeal.

Minnesota Wild Ryan Hartman had his suspension reduced from 10 games to eight by Commissioner Gary Bettman on Monday, though Bettman upheld his suspension. Hartman was suspended after roughing the Ottawa Senators' Tim Stutzle during a Feb.

As the month of February opened, Minnesota Wild forward Ryan Hartman was issued a 10-game suspension for a roughing incident against Ottawa Senators forward Tim

Hartman has already served four games of his initial 10-game suspension and will now be eligible to return against Seattle on March 4. Prior to his ban, the 30-year-old winger was bogged down in an eight-game goal drought during which he registered 14 shots and three assists.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman reduced Minnesota Wild center Ryan Hartman’s 10-game suspension to eight games.