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Reports: Thornton will appeal 15-game suspension

Winnipeg Jets v Boston Bruins

BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 10: Shawn Thornton #22 of the Boston Bruins celebrates after he scored a penalty shot in the second period against the Winnipeg Jets on January 10, 2012 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

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Multiple reports cite sources that say Bruins forward Shawn Thornton will appeal the 15-game suspension he received for his “act of retribution” on Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik.

We’ve already written about the possibility of an appeal here. To be clear, it wouldn’t mean that Thornton is denying any wrongdoing; rather, he would be appealing based on the length of the suspension and claiming the punishment was inconsistent with previous rulings by the NHL.

If Thornton has indeed appealed, his argument will first be heard by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman. If Bettman upholds a suspension of six or more games, Thornton could then appeal to a neutral discipline arbitrator, whose decision would “be final and binding in all respects and not subject to review,” per the CBA.