NHLPA announces intent to fight Rasmus Andersson's suspension.

The National Hockey League Players Association has issued a statement, although it does not appear to be well received at this time.

On Sunday, the NHLPA announced that they would appeal the 4 game suspension recently handed down to Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson. Andersson received the lengthy suspension after he delivered a hit to the head of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine as the final buzzer sounded in a game that was out of reach, a hit that led to Laine being injured and missing at least 1 game so far.

It would appear as though the NHLPA feels the league was too harsh on Andersson and will now try to get the number of games reduced, although on what grounds they plan to appeal is not as of yet clear.

The response from fans on social media has not been a positive one with most of the responses arguing that Andersson should get even more time for daring to appeal a suspension that was handed down for what was unquestionably a dirty hit.

Much of this appears to surround the fact that Andersson will now be forced to miss the upcoming Heritage Classic between the Flames and Edmonton Oilers set to take place at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, Alberta a week from today. While it is unfortunate that Andersson would miss the memorable event, at the end of the day he will have no one to blame but himself if the suspension is upheld by the NHL.