Leafs’ Rielly to appeal 5-game suspension
Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Morgan Rielly will appeal a five-game suspension handed down by the NHL on Tuesday, TSN is reporting.
The longtime Leaf received the punishment after he cross-checked Ottawa Senators forward Ridly Greig Saturday night. Greig had just fired an uncontested slapshot into an empty net with seconds left in Ottawa’s 5-3 win when Rielly delivered the high check.
In explaining the reasoning behind the suspension, the NHL’s department of safety said Tuesday that it appeared the sole purpose of the check was for “retribution.”
Rielly has never been suspended before during his more than 10 years with the Leafs.
Barring a successful appeal, Rielly won’t be available to the Leafs until at least Feb. 22 when they play the Las Vegas Golden Knights.
This is a breaking news story. More to come.
