Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly has been suspended for five games by the NHL's department of player safety following a cross-checking incident involving Ottawa Senators forward Ridly Greig. The suspension was handed down after a virtual hearing, since the planned in-person hearing was unable to take place due to inclement weather.
The incident occurred during the closing seconds of a game between the Maple Leafs and the Senators. With just 5.1 seconds remaining, Greig fired a slap shot into an empty net, extending the Senators' lead to 5-3. Rielly, taking exception to the shot, delivered a forceful cross-check to Greig's head and left shoulder. Fortunately, Greig was not injured despite the intentional nature of the strike.
In a video released by the NHL, the league described the cross-check as an 'intentional, forceful strike to an opponent's head using the stick as a weapon to exact retribution on an opponent well after a goal has been scored.' The NHL emphasized that this was not a hockey play and that Rielly's actions were in direct violation of the rules.
As a result of the suspension, Rielly, who had no prior history of fines or suspensions in his 11-year NHL career, will forfeit $195,313 in salary. Because the suspension was under six games, Rielly's only avenue for appeal would be to Commissioner Gary Bettman. Anything longer than a five-game suspension would have required a review by a neutral arbitrator.
Losing Rielly for five games is undoubtedly a blow to the Maple Leafs. The defenseman has been one of the team's All-Stars and has played a crucial role in their success this season. Rielly averages over 24 minutes of ice time per game and contributes in all facets of the game, making his absence difficult to replace.
However, the Maple Leafs remain confident in their ability to overcome adversity. Forward William Nylander expressed the team's resilience, noting that when players have been out in the past, others have stepped up and filled their roles. The Maple Leafs will need this depth to step up once again as they strive to maintain their position in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
The incident sparked discussions among players and experts about the unwritten rules of scoring empty-net goals and the merits of retribution, particularly in the late stages of a game. Veteran forward Andrew Cogliano acknowledged the emotional aspect of the game but also recognized that Rielly's actions were an unnecessary response. Cogliano suggested that while Rielly may face suspension, it might bring the team closer together.
Meanwhile, Colorado Avalanche defenseman Bowen Byram, who knows Greig well, stated that he didn't mind witnessing such fiery incidents occasionally, as long as no one is seriously injured. Byram believed that intense moments can spice up the game and make it more exciting.
During Rielly's hearing, he argued that he made contact with Greig's body before striking his head. While the league acknowledged some body contact, they maintained that the use of a stick in such a manner was still unacceptable. The league emphasized that this was not a case of two players mutually engaging in physicality, but a deliberate act of retribution long after the outcome of the game had been decided.
The Maple Leafs had to face the St. Louis Blues without Rielly on Tuesday night, and he will also miss upcoming games against the Philadelphia Flyers, Anaheim Ducks, and St. Louis Blues again, as well as the Arizona Coyotes. Rielly will be eligible to return to action on February 22 when the Maple Leafs visit the Vegas Golden Knights.
The Maple Leafs will need to regroup and put their best foot forward during Rielly's absence. With a strong and resilient group of players, they will look to fill the gap and continue their push for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
