Appeal coming for Spezza. First would be to Commissioner Bettman. If not satisfied with that ruling, option for independent arbitrator.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) December 8, 2021
Jason Spezza and the Leafs made 3 arguments in suspension case:
1. It was not kneeing; NHL Player Safety disagreed.
2. Neal Pionk was eligible to be checked; NHL Player Safety agreed.
3. Spezza would have checked Pionk legally had he not fallen; NHL Player Safety disagreed.
— Jonas Siegel (@jonassiegel) December 8, 2021
In its video explainer, the league cites the “reckless and retaliatory” nature of the hit, the targeting of the head on a vulnerable player, and the fact that Pionk was injured on the play (Pionk took six shifts after the hit but was placed in concussion protocol earlier today).