Red Wings' Witkowski won't appeal 10-game suspension

Detroit Red Wings forward Luke Witkowski has decided not to appeal his 10-game suspension, the team announced in a release, according to Craig Custance of The Athletic.

Witkowski was given the 10-game ban following Wednesday's game against the Calgary Flames where, after being assessed a game misconduct, he returned to the ice after being sticked by Flames forward Matthew Tkachuk.

"I accept and understand that the wording of the rule, combined with what happened during the incident, leave little to no chance of a successful appeal," Witkowski said in the release.

Witkowski admitted Friday that he was unaware of Rule 70.6 that states any player that returns to the bench or ice after being ejected from the game shall be assessed an automatic 10-game suspension.

This means the Red Wings will be without Witkowski until at least Dec. 11.