Perron, NHLPA appealing 6-game suspension for cross-checking Zub

The NHLPA is appealing Detroit Red Wings forward David Perron's six-game suspension for cross-checking Ottawa Senators blue-liner Artem Zub, the players' association announced Tuesday.

Commissioner Gary Bettman will first hear the appeal. As the ban is longer than five games, Perron and the NHLPA can go to a neutral arbitrator after Bettman's ruling, should the parties want to do so.

Bettman opted not to reduce Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson's four-game suspension for his hit on Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine in October.

Perron had an in-person hearing following the incident.

Following the play on Dylan Larkin, David Perron has been assessed a 5-minute match penalty for intent to injure. pic.twitter.com/lMwCKuKVDh

- Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) December 10, 2023

Perron went after Zub after teammate Dylan Larkin was knocked to the ice in a net-front scrum. Larkin has been ruled out for at least a week with an upper-body injury.

This is the league's longest suspension since Brad Marchand was given a six-game ban for roughing and high-sticking in February 2022, per Sportsnet Stats.

If the sentence isn't reduced, Perron is eligible to return to action on Dec. 22 against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Perron, 35, is in the second campaign of a two-year, $9.5-million contract with the Red Wings. He's registered 13 points in 26 games this season.

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