The Toronto Maple Leafs’ opening lineup will be without someone. The NHL Department of Player Safety has suspended defenseman Morgan Rielly for five games. The news of Morgan Rielly’s suspension broke on Tuesday.

Rielly was given a suspension late in the third quarter for cross-checking Ottawa Senators player Ridly Greig. This came after Greig’s empty-net goal with six seconds left in the third quarter. Greig’s slap shot into the empty net sealed a 5-3 victory for Ottawa. Rielly was enraged by Greig’s antics of assaulting the Senators from behind.

For cross-checking and infractions during the game, the Leafs blueliner received a significant penalty. A hearing for Rielly’s acts was scheduled in person. This means a suspension of at least five games. If the infraction carries a six-game or longer suspension, the offending player is offered the opportunity to appear in person for a hearing. The player’s suspension in this case is in place until the hearing. If the athlete waives his right to a face-to-face hearing, the hearing will be conducted via telephone.

Reilly has seven goals, 36 assists, and 43 points in 50 games. In the first round of the 2012 NHL Draft, Toronto chose the Vancouver native with the fifth overall pick.

What’s Suggested

Morgan Rielly’s suspension costs the Leafs a key player on their blueline. Toronto is competing to make the playoffs. But the experienced defender’s exit leaves a hole in the squad.

There are others who contend that Rielly was right to provide Greig a receipt. However, Toronto will be shorthanded for a few games. Greig’s shot may have seemed excessive to some, but perhaps an experienced player like Rielly might have given it further thought.

Toronto is ranked fourth in the Atlantic Division despite having the same number of points as the Detroit Red Wings. While Rielly’s loss is heartbreaking, the Leafs will require some time to adjust.