Predators' Watson suspended 27 games after domestic assault arrest

The NHL has suspended Nashville Predators forward Austin Watson for the entire preseason and the first 27 games of the regular season, the league announced Wednesday.

Watson pleaded no contest to a domestic assault charge in late July after being arrested in June.

"I have determined that Nashville player Austin Watson engaged in a physical confrontation with his domestic partner," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. "(Wednesday's) ruling, while tailored to the specific facts of this case and the individuals involved, is necessary and consistent with the NHL's strongly held view that it cannot and will not tolerate this and similar types of conduct."

The NHLPA will file an appeal on behalf of Watson. It could be submitted as early as next week, TSN's Pierre LeBrun reports.

An investigation by the NHL and an in-person hearing last Friday preceded Wednesday's ruling.

Watson is eligible to return Dec. 3 against the Buffalo Sabres.