In this edition of Toronto Maple Leafs’ News & Rumors, I’ll share some of the news that’s emerging from the team including notes from last night’s 5-4 Maple Leafs’ victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Second, and of real interest to me, is the status of veteran forward Jason Spezza. Spezza will appeal the six-game suspension he received from George Parros, head of the NHL’s Department of Player Safety. If my guess is correct, there’s a chance Spezza’s suspension might be shortened – but that’s just speculation.
Item One: Jason Spezza Suspended Six Games
Yesterday, the official ruling came down and Jason Spezza was suspended for six games for his hit on Neal Pionk as part of a game that got completely out-of-hand Sunday against the Winnipeg Jets. Because Spezza had an in-person hearing, he didn’t dress for the Maple Leafs’ game against the Blue Jackets. That counts as one of the games suspended.
If his six-game suspension sticks, Spezza won’t be eligible to play again for the Maple Leafs until a week before Boxing Day (December 19th vs. the Seattle Kraken). During Spezza’s Hall of Fame NHL career, the 38-year-old has never missed a game because of a suspension. Given that Pionk was only suspended for two games, I was surprised how long his suspension was.
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