Antoine Vermette’s slash on linesman Shandor Alphonso in Tuesday’s Ducks-Wild game has landed Vermette in hot water.
Vermette, who was tossed from the game following the incident, has been flagged as a Category II offender under Rule 40 (Abuse of Official), per Sportsnet.
From the NHL rule book:
Automatic Suspension – Category II Any player who deliberately applies physical force to an official in any manner (excluding actions as set out in Category I), which physical force is applied without intent to injure, or who spits on an official, shall be automatically suspended for not less than ten (10) games.
Per TSN, Vermette has the right to appeal, which would be heard by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman. Bettman would have the option to increase, decrease or uphold the 10-game ban.
Ducks head coach Randy Carlyle addressed the incident following the contest -- a 1-0 Ducks win -- and said that while the club had an opinion on the matter, it might not make a difference given Vermette made contact with a linesman.
From the Orange County Register:
Carlyle said Vermette reacted to not being ready for Alphonso dropping the puck and that the veteran forward wasn’t vicious or had malice in striking him. But he added, “He touched the official. What are you going to do?”
“To me, these are things that the league reviews,” Carlyle continued. “We have a view on it; they have a view on it. Whatever they decide, we have to live with.”
This marks the second suspension for an abuse of an official infraction this season. Earlier, Anthony DeAngelo of the Arizona Coyotes was banned three games for an incident involving linesman David Brisebois following a fight.