NHL commissioner Gary Bettman confirmed Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly’s five-game suspension on Tuesday for cross-checking Ottawa Senators forward Ridly Greig. Rielly, a key player for the Maple Leafs, will not be eligible to play until their game against the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday. The incident in question occurred during a game between Toronto and Ottawa on Feb. 10, where Rielly cross-checked Greig to the face following a controversial play. Despite Rielly’s appeal for a reduced suspension, Bettman upheld the ban, sparking debates among fans and analysts alike.
Bettman’s Justification
In his ruling, Bettman emphasized that while Rielly did not intentionally target Greig’s head, the force used in the cross-check and the lack of immediate remorse were significant factors in his decision. Bettman pointed out that Rielly’s lack of previous disciplinary issues and Greig’s lack of injury were taken into account when determining the length of the suspension. However, Bettman also stated that had either of these factors been different, the suspension would have been much longer, highlighting the seriousness of the incident.
Rielly’s camp argued for a reduction in his suspension by presenting cases of other players who received shorter bans for similar incidents. However, Bettman noted that the level of force used by Rielly was not comparable to those cases, dismissing the argument for a shorter suspension. This decision has raised questions about consistency in disciplinary actions by the league and whether harsher penalties should be imposed for dangerous plays on the ice.
Impact on Rielly and the Maple Leafs
Despite the suspension, Rielly had been having a stellar season with seven goals and 43 points in 50 games. Toronto’s perfect 4-0 record since his suspension is a testament to the team’s depth and resilience in his absence. However, Rielly’s absence has also highlighted the importance of his role on the team and the challenges they face without him on the ice. As the Maple Leafs prepare to face Arizona in the final game of Rielly’s suspension, questions remain about how they will fare without one of their top defensemen.
Bettman’s ruling on Rielly’s suspension serves as a reminder of the NHL’s commitment to player safety and fair play. While Rielly’s actions were deemed unacceptable, his response and acknowledgment of the incident were commendable. Moving forward, it is crucial for players to exercise caution and respect on the ice to avoid similar incidents and maintain the integrity of the game. As Rielly returns to the lineup, his conduct will be closely monitored, setting a precedent for future disciplinary actions in the league.