NEW YORK (Dec. 17, 2021) – National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman today upheld the suspension that was assessed to Toronto Maple Leafs forward Jason Spezza for kneeing Winnipeg Jets defenseman Neal Pionk during NHL Game No. 380 in Winnipeg on Dec. 5. However, the Commissioner reduced the length of the suspension from six to four games.

Commissioner Bettman heard Spezza’s appeal of the original decision, assessed Dec. 7, at a hearing on Dec. 14.

Spezza now is eligible to return for the Maple Leafs’ next game, scheduled for Dec. 18 (at VAN).