Maple Leafs’ Spezza suspended 6 games for kneeing incident
Posted December 7, 2021 8:53 pm.
Last Updated December 7, 2021 11:31 pm.
The NHL announced Tuesday that it has suspended Toronto Maple Leafs veteran Jason Spezza for kneeing Winnipeg Jets defenceman Neal Pionk on Sunday.
Toronto’s Jason Spezza has been suspended for six games for Kneeing Winnipeg’s Neal Pionk. https://t.co/DDlM0Tdzw3
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) December 8, 2021
NHL Player Safety called Spezza’s actions “reckless and retaliatory,” causing an injury. The Maple Leafs disagreed that the hit should be considered “kneeing.”
It’s the first suspension of Spezza’s 19-year-career. He is expected to appeal the league’s decision, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.
Spezza was seemingly countering against Pionk, who shortly before had injured Maple Leafs defenceman Rasmus Sandin with a knee-on-knee hit. Pionk was handed a two-game suspension.
Pionk is in concussion protocol and will not travel with the team on its upcoming road trip, head coach Paul Maurice announced on Tuesday.
“It’s out of our hands,” Maple Leafs centre Auston Matthews said, regarding the Spezza suspension. “It’s an opportunity for others to step up.”
On Toronto’s end, head coach Sheldon Keefe confirmed that Sandin was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury. He left the rink in crutches and has been unable to put weight on his leg. An MRI revealed “very positive” results, Keefe said.
No structural damage was done to Sandin’s knee, but he’ll need time to calm the swelling and bruising. Sandin’s return should fall in the two-to-three-week range. “It all depends on how it settles down,” Keefe cautioned.
The Leafs defeated Columbus 5-4 on Tuesday. They will host Tampa Bay on Thursday and the Blackhawks on Saturday.
With files from Sportsnet
