Toronto forward David Clarkson is “definitely disputing” the automatic 10-game suspension he received for leaving the bench on an illegal line change to join an altercation in Sunday’s Maple Leafs-Sabres game, according to David Alter of 590 The Fan.
Hearing David Clarkson is definitely disputing the 10-game suspension and something from PA should be made public on that later today.
— David Alter (@dalter) September 24, 2013
Other reporters, including ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun and Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston, have also chimed in on the possibility of an appeal.
If Clarkson appeals, it would go to Bettman first. If Bettman upholds the suspension, then Clarkson can go to a neutral arbitrator.
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) September 24, 2013
Clarkson has a week to appeal his suspension because it's longer than five games. If he elects to do so, it would be heard by an arbitrator.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) September 24, 2013
What Clarkson could cite in an appeal, we’re not entirely sure. Even Leafs head coach Randy Carlyle admitted after the game that Clarkson “made a mistake.” From the NHL’s ruling:
The suspension is mandated by Rule 70.10, which states: “The first player to leave the players’ or penalty bench illegally during an altercation or for the purpose of starting an altercation from either or both teams shall be suspended without pay for the next 10 regular League and/or playoff games of his team.”
See anything in there he could appeal? What would Jackie Chiles see?