Wings' Witkowski wasn't aware of rule that carried automatic 10-game ban

Luke Witkowski might want to brush up on the NHL rule book.

The Detroit Red Wings winger was suspended 10 games - based on Rule 70.6 - for his role in a brawl that took place during Wednesday's tilt with the Calgary Flames. The rule reads as follows:

Any player who has been ordered to the dressing room by the officials and returns to his bench or to the ice surface for any reason before the appropriate time shall be assessed a game misconduct and shall be suspended automatically without pay for the next ten (10) regular League and/or Play-off games.

Witkowski was making his way to the locker room with a game misconduct following a fight with Brett Kulak when he was speared in the back of the legs by Matt Tkachuk, prompting him to return to the ice and kick off a further ruckus.

He now admits he would have done things differently if he knew the impending punishment for his actions.

"It's unfortunate," Witkowski said Friday, per the Wings' website. "Honestly, I didn't know that was a rule. I obviously, I know now. I knew it was a rule you couldn't jump the boards. It's kind of a gray area with still being on the bench and the door being open. But lesson learned, I guess. Move on from here."

Detroit head coach Jeff Blashill added he doesn't believe the punishment fits the crime, and the NHL should have taken into account the fact Tkachuk - who could also be further disciplined for his action - initiated the incident.

Per Cap Friendly, Witkowski will forfeit $40,322.58 in salary as a result of the suspension, and can return to the lineup on Dec. 11.

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