Ducks’ Antoine Vermette Ejected, Suspended 10 Games For Slashing Lineman

Anaheim Ducks center Antoine Vermette was ejected from his team’s 1-0 road victory against the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday night for an abuse of an official.

Ducks Center Antoine Vermette Ejected, Suspended 10 Games For Slashing Official

Vermette, 34, slashed lineman Shandor Alphonso in the leg after losing a face-off at 7:33 of the third period to draw a 10-minute penalty for game misconduct.

It’s not completely clear how severe the slashing was from the video, although it was noticeable enough for officials to toss Vermette from the game.

The Canadian star could face further punishment.

According to NHL Rule 40.3, deliberately applying physical force to an official in any way results in an automatic 10-game suspension.

Per TSN’s Bob McKenzie, this ban has already been handed down to Vermette, while Detroit Red Wings forward Gustav Nyquist is attending a hearing for hitting Wild defenseman Jared Spurgeon in the face with his stick earlier this week. McKenzie added that Vermette could appeal his suspension, which would be given by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman.

Anthony DeAngelo of the Arizona Coyotes already received a three-game suspension earlier this season for abuse of an official.

Calgary Flames defenseman Dennis Wideman was suspended 20 games for the same reason last season, after cross-checking a referee on his way back to the bench. Wideman’s suspension was later reduced to 10 games through an appeal.

In his first season with the Ducks, Vermette has eight goals and 14 assists in 57 games. The 13th-year NHL veteran was a critical member of the Chicago Blackhawks’ 2015 playoff run.

The Ducks next host the Florida Panthers on Friday.

NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 16: Antoine Vermette #50 of the Anaheim Ducks skates against the New York Islanders at the Barclays Center on October 16, 2016 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Islanders defeated the Ducks 3-2 in overtime. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)