Zac Rinaldo’s hearing with the NHL’s department of player safety will be Monday afternoon — the All-Star Break is likely delaying the proceedings here — at 12:30 p.m. ET. Rinaldo has been offered an in-person hearing at the league offices in New York City, which the NHL must do if they wish to levy a suspension over five games.
The player has the option whether or not to actually accept the in-person hearing. He can choose for it to be a phone hearing if he wishes, but the NHL still reserves that right to a lengthy suspension once offering the in-person hearing.
Zac Rinaldo’s @NHLPlayerSafety hearing is Mon 12:30 pm ET but player has yet to inform NHLPA and NHL if he’s waiving his in person right.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) January 21, 2015
Flyers’ GM Ron Hextall told PHI media the hearing will be via phone but NHLPA says that decision has not yet been made by the player.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) January 21, 2015
Hard to really predict how long this suspension is going to be. My guess is at least eight games, but it could be longer. There will likely be more clarity on Kris Letang’s injuries by Monday so that could make a difference in the ultimate decision, since the NHL definitely takes injury into account.
But either way, expect a lengthy suspension.
