Insider Reveals the NHL's Reaction to Charlie McAvoy's Suspension Appeal
It seems the NHL was not at all expecting Charlie McAvoy of the Boston Bruins to launch an appeal of his recent four-game suspension for an illegal check to the head of Florida's Oliver Ekman Larsson.
According to ESPN's Greg Wyshynski, the league assumed this was a straightforward issue and was dealt with accordingly.
"Much surprise on NHL side at the appeal. Felt this was a 'cut and dry' illegal check to head ruling."
Wyshynski adds McAvoy wants the NHL to reduce his sentence by at least one game. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman gets the final say, and all options are on the table.
"Bettman could uphold the current suspension, reduce it or increase it."
I would be shocked if the final ruling was an increase in games. However, I don't expect Bettman to lower it either.
Why would McAvoy care so much about having his suspension lowered by one game? According to Capfriendly, four games means McAvoy forfeits $197,916.68 in salary. Getting even one game knocked off his sentence would get him almost $50,000 back.
| POLL | ||
What do you think Bettman's decision will be on the suspension appeal? | ||
| Keep it at four games | 57 | 51.4 % |
| Increase it | 24 | 21.6 % |
| Reduce it | 22 | 19.8 % |
| Not sure | 8 | 7.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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