BREAKING: NHL throwing the book at Morgan Rielly with suspension for violent retaliatory play

Moments ago, insider Elliotte Friedman revealed that the NHL will be offering Morgan Rielly an in-person hearing for his actions against Senators' forward Ridly Greig. An in-persons hearing means that the league has the option to suspend Rielly for more than six games.

With the Leafs not set to play until Tuesday night, this gives the Department of Player Safety time to investigate the incident and draw their conclusion. According to an earlier report from Chris Johnston, the league is treating this incident very seriously and gathering as much information as possible. At this time, the hearing date and time hasn't been announced.




It's very possible that Rielly receives a suspension of at least six games, if not more if the league wants to make an example of the Maple Leafs. For a similar play and also a veteran player with no history, David Perron was suspended 6 games for a retaliatory play in response to a Dylan Larkin injury.


It was an especially violent cross check, that came at a brutal time after a goal and with only seconds remaining in the game. Still, Greig's slap shot was clearly a cocky and showboat move, and it warranted a response from the Leafs. Still, the Department of Player Safety won't care about the context, and will likely throw the book at Rielly.