Gudas did not expect to be suspended 10 games

Radko Gudas knew a suspension was coming, but didn't think it would be this lengthy.

The Philadelphia Flyers defenseman waived his right to an in-person hearing after dangerously slashing Mathieu Perreault of the Winnipeg Jets on Nov. 16, choosing instead to speak to the NHL's Department of Player Safety over the phone.

The invitation to meet face-to-face generally means the player is in for a suspension of at least five games, and in the end, the NHL deemed it prudent to ban Gudas for 10.

"I was surprised, I did not expect that," Gudas said Monday via Flyers TV. "I don't agree with it, but I accept their decision. There's not much else I can say."

The NHL's decision was based on Gudas' forceful chop delivered to a player in a vulnerable position, and while he did admit to being reckless with his stick, he added he's never used it like that before.

Gudas is eligible to return to the lineup Dec. 12.

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