Maple Leafs forward Jason Spezza has his suspension reduced following appeal

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announced on Friday that the league has decided to reduce Jason Spezza's suspension from six games to four games, making him eligible to return to Toronto's lineup on Saturday night.

In a statement, the NHL said, "National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman today upheld the suspension that was assessed to Toronto Maple Leafs forward Jason Spezza for kneeing Winnipeg Jets defenceman Neal Pionk during NHL Game No. 380 in Winnipeg on Dec. 5. However, the Commissioner reduced the length of the suspension from six to four games."

They added, "Commissioner Bettman heard Spezza's appeal of the original decision, assessed Dec. 7, at a hearing on Dec. 14. Spezza is now eligible to return for the Maple Leafs' next game scheduled for Dec. 18 (at VAN)."

The incident occurred during Toronto's game in Winnipeg on December 5th. Spezza caught Pionk in the head with his knee and didn't receive a penalty on the play. Spezza was then handed a six game suspension, while Pionk missed two games for his kneeing suspension on Rasmus Sandin and an additional game with a concussion.

Commissioner Bettman upholds suspension of @MapleLeafs forward Jason Spezza; reduces length from six to four games.

Complete ruling: https://t.co/3qvuhuPsO3 pic.twitter.com/E6YLxjYKOr— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) December 17, 2021

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