Leafs' Morgan Rielly files appeal over suspension from NHL

Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Morgan Rielly doesn’t appear to be taking his suspension too kindly.

According to multiple reports (including Sportsnet’s Luke Fox), Rielly has filed an appeal with the NHL over his suspension over a recent crosscheck.

Morgan Rielly is filing an appeal.
Brad Treliving will not speak today.

— luke fox (@lukefoxjukebox) February 14, 2024

In the waning seconds of the Leafs’ 5-3 loss to the Senators on Saturday night, Rielly took offence to Ridly Greig’s choice to take a slap shot on a wide-open net, with Toronto having their goalie pulled for an extra attacker. Rielly hit Grieg with a crosscheck up high, causing a bit of an on-ice brouhaha.

Ridly Greig buries the empty-netter with a slapshot and Morgan Rielly takes exception 😳 pic.twitter.com/6NISK4AMSt

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) February 11, 2024

Rielly, who yesterday was handed a five-game suspension for the play, has officially filed an appeal with the NHL. Due to the length of his suspension, the appeal will go directly to NHL commissioner Gary Bettman.

As it stands, Rielly will be able to return to Toronto’s lineup on February 22, when the Leafs visit the Vegas Golden Knights for their lone road game in Nevada this year.

Toronto general manager Brad Treliving was scheduled to speak to the media today regarding the suspension for his first public comments on the matter but has since cancelled his availability.

Now in his 11th NHL season with Toronto, Rielly has the biggest workload of his career. He’s currently averaging 24:21 a night of ice time through 50 games, to go along with seven goals and 36 assists so far this season.

In Toronto’s first game since Rielly’s suspension, the Leafs came through with a 4-1 victory over the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday, powered by a surprising hat trick from Bobby McMann, who came into the night with just two career NHL goals.

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