Austin Watson, Nashville Predators, suspended 27 games for assault

Nashville Watson Predators forward Austin Watson has been suspended 27 games without pay for "unacceptable off-ice driving," the NHL said on Wednesday.

Watson, who is also suspended without treatment throughout the preseason, did not plead in July for a domestic assault charge. The NHL Players' Association is appealing on behalf of Watson. If the call does not succeed, Watson will be eligible to return on December 3 against the Buffalo Sabers.

The NHL is the only one of the top four professional sports leagues with no specific domestic violence policy. Everything is treated on a case by case basis. The NHL conducted its own Watson investigation and held a face-to-face hearing with Commissioner Gary Bettman. The suspension was imposed under Rule 18-A of the collective agreement.

"I determined that Nashville player Austin Watson was engaged in a physical confrontation with his domestic partner," Bettman said in a statement. "Today's decision, while adapted to the specific facts of this case and to the individuals involved, is necessary and in keeping with the NHA's strong view that it is can not and will not tolerate this kind of behavior and other similar types of behavior. "

The Predators issued a statement claiming that the organization "supported and worked closely" with the NHL's investigation of Watson.

"During his suspension, we wish Austin, Jenn and their baby the necessary steps to move forward, with the support of the Nashville Predators, NHL, NHLPA and all the collective resources. that they can provide "I said.

Watson, 26, was arrested on June 16 in Tennessee. According to a sworn affidavit from Williamson County, a witness reported a Franklin police officer to a possible family situation at a gas station.

The police said that Watson had told them at the time that he and his girlfriend were arguing, and he acknowledged that he had pushed her. The police said they found red marks on the woman's chest and said that Watson had caused them.

The former first round pick scored 14 career goals and five assists in 76 games last season. He has five goals and three assists in 13 playoff games.

Watson has played 216 career regular season games, all with the Predators.

The NHL is also working on another case of family violence.

Former Los Angeles Kings defender Slava Voynov is still suspended for an incident in 2014. He is now seeking reinstatement. Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly told ESPN last week that the NHL had just started investigating Voynov, who would also have an audition with Bettman. Daly could not offer a schedule, but said that a decision on Voynov would come "definitely not before the training camp".