NHL Throws Book at Dennis Wideman

The NHL has thrown the book at Calgary Flames defenseman Dennis Wideman. Seriously, Wideman was given a 20-game suspension for running over NHL linesman Don Henderson. Wideman said this of the hit on Henderson.

"At the last second, I looked up and saw [Henderson] and couldn't avoid it, Wideman said. "I went up to Donnie and apologized to him on the ice," he said after the game. "I didn't see him. I didn't know where to go and how to get out of the way."
I still wonder if Wideman wasn't dazed from the hit he took before the incident with Henderson. I am fine with the length of the suspension, I think it sends a clear message. However, the next player that abuses an NHL official also need to have the book thrown at them.

Dennis Wideman Suspended for Cross-Checking Linesman

I don't know if I have ever seen anything like this before. After being check hard by Predators forward Miikka Salomaki, Calgary Flames defenseman Dennis Wideman cross-checked linesman Don Henderson on the way to the Flames bench.

For his puzzling efforts, Wideman has been suspended indefinitely pending a hearing. Your guess is as good as mine how long of a suspension he will get.

According to NHL rule 40:

40.1 Game Misconduct – Any player who deliberately applies physical force in any manner against an official, in any manner attempts to injure an official, physically demeans, or deliberately applies physical force to an official solely for the purpose of getting free of such an official during or immediately following an altercation shall receive a game misconduct penalty. In addition, the following (40.2, 40.3, 40.4) disciplinary penalties shall apply.

40.2 Automatic Suspension – Category I – Any player who deliberately strikes an official and causes injury or who deliberately applies physical force in any manner against an official with intent to injure, or who in any manner attempts to injure an official shall be automatically suspended for not less than twenty (20) games. (For the purpose of the rule, “intent to injure” shall mean any physical force which a player knew or should have known could reasonably be expected to cause injury.)

40.3 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.

It's hard to tell what Wideman's intent was. Was he feeling the woozy from the hit, which is very possible. Wideman was pounded by Salomaki.

Finally, Wideman isn't a former UND hockey player like some have suggested. :-)

Flames sign former Bruins pylon Dennis Wideman

The Calgary Flames just pulled off what many would probably consider as one of the worst moves of the summer to date. In what universe is Wideman worth that kind of money? While Wideman is a is a good offensive defensman -  he is not what I would consider a very good defenseman in the defensive zone and was a minus 26 in 2010-11.

Wideman also has a no movement clause as well.Thank God that Wideman is going to he Calgary Flames and not some team that I follow.

CALGARY, AB – The Calgary Flames announced today that they have acquired and signed defenceman Dennis Wideman from Washington in exchange for Jordan Henry and a 5th round pick in the 2013 NHL Draft.

Wideman, a native of Kitchener, Ontario, has played over 500 career games with 67 goals, 184 assists for 251 points over the course of seven NHL seasons with time spent in St. Louis, Boston, Florida and Washington. Last season with the Capitals, Wideman had his second best offensive season tallying 11 goals along with a team high 35 assists for 46 points in 82 games which tied him for third in team scoring and lead all blue-liners with the Capitals.

Contract terms: 5 year contract with an Average Annual Value of $5,250,000