Linesman Don Henderson still fighting concussion symptoms: Report
While Dennis Wideman appeals his 20-game suspension for checking linesman Don Henderson during a Jan. 27 game, Henderson is still feeling the effects of the concussion he suffered that night.
According to the Calgary Sun’s Eric Francis, Henderson, who has worked over 1,200 NHL games since 1995, may not be back this season due to that concussion.
“He still can’t do anything because he hasn’t gone two days symptom-free,” said a source familiar with Henderson’s back pain and concussion struggles since the collision that earned Wideman a 20-game suspension.
“I don’t think he’s coming back anytime soon, if at all.”
The NHL suspended Wideman 20 games on Feb. 3. After he appealed, Commissioner Gary Bettman upheld the 20-game ban earlier this week, to which the Calgary Flames defenseman announced through the NHLPA that he would be taking the case to a neutral arbitrator.
Through Thursday, Wideman has missed eight games for the Flames.
Francis reports that Henderson received an MRI Wednesday that could potentially provide clues to any brain damage suffered. He also adds that the NHL Officials Association has been trying to get the 47-year-old linesman to retire, meaning that this concussion could end his career.
If that sadly becomes the case, how much of an influence would that have on the neutral arbitrator’s decision?
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Sean Leahy is the associate editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Sean_Leahy
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