Jason Spezza suspended six games for kneeing Neal Pionk’s head

The NHL has finally made a decision on Jason Spezza’s punishment, and it is more significant than anticipated.

The Toronto Maple Leafs veteran forward was officially been suspended six games by the league for purposely kneeing Winnipeg Jets defenceman Neal Pionk in the head while he was lying on the ice during Sunday’s 6-3 loss.

The NHL’s department of player safety called Spezza’s action “reckless and retaliatory”, which referred to the fact he was seeking revenge of Pionk for his knee-on-knee collision with Leafs defenceman Rasmus Sandin.

The 38-year old will appeal the suspension. If it goes through, he will forfeit $22,500 in salary to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

Spezza has posted seven goals, four assists and a plus-1 rating in 26 games this season.