Morgan Rielly suspended five games over controversial incident with Ridly Greig

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly (29) faced repercussions from the NHL Department of Player Safety on Tuesday, receiving a five-game suspension following a contentious incident involving Ottawa Senators forward Ridly Greig (21).

Rielly underwent an in-person hearing in New York on Tuesday, a procedure typically reserved for cases involving potential discipline of six games or more.

The altercation unfolded during the closing moments of Saturday’s match, with only six seconds remaining in Ottawa’s 5-3 victory over Toronto. Following Greig’s empty-net goal scored via a slap shot, Rielly’s reaction resulted in a cross-check to Greig’s head, leading to the latter being propelled into the boards. As a consequence, Rielly received a major penalty for cross-checking and a game misconduct.

While Toronto head coach Sheldon Keefe defended Rielly’s actions, asserting their appropriateness in the context of the game, the league held a differing perspective.

According to a Department of Player Safety official, the incident was deemed egregious due to its timing and intent. The official highlighted that Rielly’s actions occurred well after the goal had been scored, with the game’s outcome already determined, and appeared motivated by a desire for retribution rather than gameplay.

In an explanation video, the Department of Player Safety official remarked, “Rielly pursues Greig for some time and has sufficient opportunity to choose to engage him in a different manner, or ensure that this cross-check is delivered solely to the body.”

“Instead,” the official continued, “fully in control of this play at all times, Rielly chooses to raise his stick to the level of Greig’s head and neck, approaching from the side and delivering a forceful strike to the face with his stick well after the goal has been scored. In short, this is not a hockey play.”

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The suspension represents the first disciplinary action of any kind in Rielly’s extensive 11-year, 769-game career. Consequently, he will be absent from the lineup for several upcoming games, including clashes against the St. Louis Blues, Philadelphia Flyers, Anaheim Ducks, and road games against St. Louis and the Arizona Coyotes. Rielly is slated to be eligible for reinstatement on February 22, coinciding with the Maple Leafs’ matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights.

Throughout the season, Rielly has been a significant contributor to the Maple Leafs, amassing seven goals and 36 assists. His 43 points rank him fourth on the team’s leaderboard in terms of scoring output.