NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman reduces Jason Spezza's suspension
Great news for the Leafs, as NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has heard Jason Spezza's appeal for his 6-game suspension for kneeing Winnipeg Jets defenseman Neal Pionk, reducing the suspension from 6 games down to 4.
The news is music to the ears of Leafs Nation, as the original suspension felt a touch lengthy for a guy who has never been suspended in his 18-year NHL career. Simply put, if the NHL wanted to throw the book at someone, there were better targets than Jason Spezza.
With Spezza having already served his 4-game suspension, he will be eligible to return on Saturday night against the Vancouver Canucks, assuming that the COVID-19 situation does not worsen, forcing further postponements and potentially even a pause in the season.
Spezza has been sensational for the Leafs again this season in a depth role, chipping in big goals on the fourth line and playing a key role in the team's leadership group.
In 26 games this season, Spezza has scored 7 goals and added 4 assists for 11 points over that span. Spezza, at 38 years of age, was on pace for 22 goals prior to his suspension.
