Ducks center Antoine Vermette has been suspended 10 games for abuse of an official, the NHL announced Thursday.
But Vermette will appeal the suspension, the first of his 12-year career. He will have an in-person hearing with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, followed by a hearing with an independent arbitrator. Bettman could then sustain, increase or decrease the suspension.
If the 10-game ban holds, Vermette would be eligible to return March 12 and forfeit $97,222.22 in salary.
The 10-game suspension falls under Category II of Rule 40.3 for “Any player who deliberately applies physical force to an official in any manner,” according the NHL rulebook.