Report: NHL dismisses arbitrator who reduced Wideman suspension

The NHL has dismissed James Oldham, the neutral arbitrator who ruled to reduce Calgary Flames defender Dennis Wideman's suspension for cross-checking official Don Henderson, reports Liz Mullen on the Sports Business Journal.

Though in itself, the NHL having jurisdiction over who delivers third-party decisions drips with irony, it underscores both the power the league wields and its desire to protect officials.

Wideman served nearly the length of the initial 20-game suspension before Oldham's decision was rendered, though he was able to recoup losses. The league then responded by launching a legal suit against the Players' Association in protest of the ruling.

The NHL stated in June that Oldham "exceeded his contractual authority" in slashing Wideman's suspension in half.