Report: Vermette won't further appeal suspension

There will be no further comment from Antoine Vermette regarding his suspension.

The Anaheim Ducks center will no longer appeal the 10-game ban he landed after slashing an NHL official last month, according to ESPN's Pierre LeBrun.

Vermette was involved in a stick incident with linesman Shandor Alphonso during a Feb. 14 contest against the Minnesota Wild. The action landed the veteran forward a game misconduct.

According to the NHL's collective bargaining agreement, abuse of an official is automatic grounds for suspension. Vermette ultimately appealed the suspension before NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, who upheld the 10-game sentence.

Vermette has not played since Feb. 14, missing five contests. He will need to serve the remaining five games of his suspension before he can return to the lineup Mar. 12 against the Washington Capitals.