Maple Leafs Jason Spezza Wins Suspension Appeal

In some interesting news the NHL has reduced Toronto Maple Leafs forward Jason Spezza's suspension from the initial six games, down to four. The league made the announcement on Friday.

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

This isn't something that normally occurs from the Commissioner, so it's obvious the Maple Leafs and Spezza made quite the case after kneeing Winnipeg Jets defenseman Neal Pionk in the side of the head.

Spezza has been a player that's been in the league for almost two decades and has never been suspended so when the original six games was given, many felt it was too harsh. It's obvious Bettman felt the same way.

Gary Bettman reduces Jason Spezza's suspension from 6 to 4 games, and in reading the commissioner's report, part of the reduction comes from the fact Neal Pionk only missed three games from the injury.

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) December 17, 2021

This is great news for the Maple Leafs who now get to welcome back their veteran center Saturday night against the Vancouver Canucks. The team has carried on just fine without Spezza but he certainly adds a boost to the team's fourth line and second power-play unit. So far in 26 games the ageless wonder has recorded 11 points. Look for the solid production to continue the rest of the season. Let's just hope he's done now with kneeing people in the head.

Photo credit:  Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports