Report: Flames ask judge to dismiss suit against Wideman

The Calgary Flames have requested that a judge dismiss a lawsuit filed against the organization and defenseman Dennis Wideman, reports TSN's Rick Westhead.

The suit was filed in April by NHL referee Don Henderson in response to an on-ice incident that occurred in January 2016 when Wideman hit Henderson from behind:

Wideman was suspended 20 games following the incident, but his time away was later reduced to a 10-game ban following an appeal. Wideman had served 19 games of the suspension when the appeal ruling was announced, and he was later compensated for the extra nine games of lost time.

Henderson missed the remainder of the season with a concussion and has not officiated a game since. He claims a host of injuries as a result of the incident, including to his neck, shoulders, and back, in addition to headaches, shock, anxiety, and depression.

According to Westhead, the Flames have stated that NHL commissioner Gary Bettman believes the dispute should be resolved in arbitration, as on-ice incidents fall under the terms of the NHL constitution.

Henderson's suit against Wideman and the Flames is for more than $10 million. The government of Alberta is also named as a plaintiff, and the suit asks the Flames and Wideman to cover Henderson's medical expenses.

Wideman, 34, is an unrestricted free agent this summer.