NHL Dismisses Neutral Discipline Arbitrator Who Reduced Wideman's Suspension

The NHL has dismissed James Oldham, the neutral discipline arbitrator who reduced Flames D Dennis Wideman's 20-game suspension to 10 games in March. "That is correct," Oldham said when contacted by THE DAILY and asked if he was terminated by the league. The NHL and the NHLPA declined comment on Oldham's termination. The NHL CBA allows both the NHL and NHLPA the right to terminate the neutral discipline arbitrator on July 1 for any reason or no reason. The position is fairly new as the right for players to appeal discipline of more than six games to an arbitrator was a new provision in the '13 CBA. Oldham, a law professor at Georgetown, served in the position from the summer of '13 until July 1. The only case he heard was the appeal of Wideman's suspension, which came after he collided with referee Don Henderson, knocking him down. The NHL last month sued the NHLPA to overturn the decision and reinstate the 20-game punishment.