Maple Leafs’ Morgan Rielly Suspended 5 Games for Cross-Checking Senators’ Ridly Greig

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The Toronto Maple Leafs will be without one of their top defensemen for the next several games.

Maple Leafs veteran Morgan Rielly received a five-game suspension for cross-checking Senators forward Ridly Greig in the head in Saturday’s 5-3 loss to Ottawa.

With just seconds remaining in Saturday’s game between the Maple Leafs and Senators, Greig buried an empty-netter with a slap shot to put Ottawa up 5-3. Rielly appeared to take exception and cross-checked Greig in the head.

Typically with empty-net goals, players just push the puck into the net or fire in a quick wrist shot to not disrespect their opponent. Greig’s slap shot was a rare moment, especially with it coming so close to the blue paint.

“I thought it was appropriate,” Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe told reporters of Rielly’s response to the goal after the loss.

Keefe added: “I think he’s just reacting to a play. Their player has the right to do what he wants in that moment and our players have the right to react. That’s the emotions of the game.”

Senators head coach Jacques Martin viewed the incident differently.

“He put the puck in the net,” Martin told reporters of Greig. “Whether he shoots it or pushes it, [Rielly’s reaction], that shouldn’t happen.

“That’s not a hockey play. That’s just frustration or something. It’s not part of the game.”

Rielly, the longest-tenured Maple Leaf, had never been suspended prior to Tuesday’s ruling. He’ll now miss two matchups against the St. Louis Blues and games against the Philadelphia Flyers, Anaheim Ducks and Arizona Coyotes.

The 29-year-old will be eligible to return to the lineup on Feb. 22 against the Vegas Golden Knights.

Toronto selected Rielly fifth overall in the 2012 draft. He made his debut during the 2013-14 campaign and has appeared in 769 games across his 11-year career.

Through 50 games this season, Rielly has notched seven goals and 36 assists for 43 points.

The Maple Leafs currently sit fourth in the Atlantic Division with a 26-16-8 record and will greatly miss Rielly’s presence in the lineup as they look to keep up with the Boston Bruins, Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning.