BREAKING: Gary Bettman meeting with Morgan Rielly about cross check suspension

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Liam McCormick
February 15, 2024 (2:55 PM)

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Yesterday, news broke that the NHLPA, the Maple Leafs, and Morgan Rielly have all agreed to file an appeal to his five game suspension for cross checking Senators forward Ridly Greig as revenge for a cocky empty net goal. With the appeal officially made yesterday, NHL insider Chris Johnston is reporting that Gary Bettman will personally meet with Rielly to hear his appeal tomorrow at noon.

Rielly's cross check against Greig has sparked a great debate across all hockey circles of whether it was a warranted response, and if Rielly was too harshly suspended for his actions. Plenty of other checks go uncalled or suspended far less than his. On the other hand, David Perron was recently suspended six games for a similar incident, and it's equally puzzling that Rielly didn't receive six games - the precedent was set by Perron.

Despite hearing the appeal in person and the great media attention the cross-check has received, it's incredibly unlikely Bettman contradicts the decision of his department of player safety. To this point, Bettman has never changed the ruling from the department while hearing an appeal.

This entire incident has really drawn attention to the fiasco that is the NHL Department of Player Safety. Their decision truly feel random, with no discernible precedents ever being set, some plays being punished too harsh and others too little. With these increased appeals, it may not be too long before Bettman himself considers a change in leadership at Player Safety, currently run by former enforcer George Parros. Many fans agree, and likely some players and executives do too - it's time for the NHL to move on from Parros.