The National Hockey League announced today that Nashville Predators forward Austin Watson has been suspended, without pay, for all of the pre-season and the first 27 games of the regular season.
The suspension is after a League investigation into an incident on June 16.
The home game on December 3 against the Buffalo Sabres is the first game Watson is eligible to play in during the 2018-19 season.
The team issued a statement regarding the suspension, which is below.
“The Nashville Predators supported and worked closely with the National Hockey League investigation regarding Austin Watson. During his suspension, we wish Austin, Jenn and their baby the best as they take the necessary steps to move forward, with the support of the Nashville Predators, the NHL, the NHLPA, and all the collective resources they can provide. Our commitment to AMEND is the same today as it was when we partnered six years ago with the mission of making Nashville the safest city for girls and women. We will continue to evolve and grow our programming to work toward this shared objective.”
According to Sportsnet’s John Shannon, the NHL Players’ Association has also issued a statement on the ruling.
The National Hockey League Players’ Association issued the following statement today regarding the National Hockey League’s decision to suspend Austin Watson for 27 games:
“The NHLPA will be filing an appeal on behalf of Austin Watson.”
— John Shannon (@JSportsnet) September 13, 2018
