Maple Leafs News & Rumors: Matthews, Campbell, Spezza & Parros

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers | By The Old Prof | Last updated 12/8/21

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.

Maple Leafs forward Jason Spezza has been suspended for six games, without pay, for kneeing Jets defenseman Neal Pionk on Sunday.https://t.co/KxGM6kBA2w
— NHL.com (@NHLdotcom) December 8, 2021

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.

This article first appeared on The Hockey Writers and was syndicated with permission.

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