More hints at suspension as Jason Spezza awaits and misses warmups

The Toronto Maple Leafs knew it would be bad as soon as veteran forward Jason Spezza was called for an in person hearing with the league, which is required if the NHL wants to suspend a player for five games or more.

They still don’t know what to expect as we await puck drop any minute now against the Columbus Blue Jackets, however David Alter of The Hockey reported that Spezza not on the ice for the warmup, despite not being officially suspended yet.

“Likely scenario is he was told he’s getting at least 1 game while they still debate it.”

This was of course after the chaotic game between the Maple Leafs and Winnipeg Jets, in which Spezza kneed Jets defenseman Neal Pionk in the head.

The incident happened in the third period when Pionk was reaching to clear the puck with his hand. Spezza’s knee made contact with Pionk’s head on the hit. The blue liner is now in concussion protocol, though he was suspended as well. Pionk is serving a two-game suspension after kneeing Leafs defenseman Rasmus Sandin earlier in the same game.

We hope to know the suspension later today.