Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly was suspended for five games by the NHL on Tuesday for a violent cross-checking incident over the weekend. As the season enters a crucial stretch, Toronto will have to tread water without their top defensemen.
Rielly Suspended for Cross-Check on Opponent
The incident occurred in the dying moments of the Maple Leafs’ 5-3 loss to the Ottawa Senators. Rielly appeared to take great exception to Senators’ forward Ridly Grieg firing a slap shot into an empty Toronto goal with six seconds remaining in the contest. Moments after the goal, Rielly raised his stick and cross-checked Grieg across the head. The action brought a major penalty and a game misconduct to Rielly.
NHL punished Rielly during a virtual meeting
Reilly met virtually with the NHL Department of Player Safety on Tuesday. An in-person meeting was not feasible due to a snowstorm that hit the New York City area where the department is located.
It was during that meeting that the defenseman learned of his punishment. He will be unable to take the ice for the Maple Leafs again until Feb. 22, when Toronto plays at the Vegas Golden Knights. In addition to the suspension, Rielly will also forfeit $195,312.50 of his salary. The forfeiture comes under the terms of the NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement, with the money going to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.
Rielly an Important Cog for Maple Leafs Defense
The 29-year-old currently leads the Maple Leafs defense with seven goals and 36 assists over 50 games this season. He also spends the most time on ice — 24 minutes, 21 seconds, on average — of any Toronto blueliner this season.
The Maple Leafs enter Tuesday night’s home game against the St. Louis Blues with a 26-16-8 record. Toronto is currently tied with the Detroit Red Wings for the first Wild Card playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
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