Report: Rielly appealing suspension to Bettman in person Friday

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly will appeal his five-game suspension in person to NHL commissioner Gary Bettman at noon ET on Friday, reports TSN's Chris Johnston.

Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving, Rielly's agent J.P. Barry, and lawyers from the NHLPA will all accompany the Toronto blue-liner, according to TSN's Darren Dreger.

Johnston reported Wednesday that Rielly would appeal the decision. The ban was announced Tuesday. If it stands, Rielly will be eligible to return Feb. 22 against the Vegas Golden Knights.

The incident occurred in the final moments of Toronto's 5-3 loss to the Ottawa Senators on Saturday. Rielly cross-checked forward Ridly Greig up high after the rookie took a slap shot into the empty net to cap off the contest.

"This is also not an inadvertent or accidental use of the stick while leveraging for body position or other hockey purposes," the league said in its explanation. "This play occurs well after the goal has been scored, late in the game with the score out of reach, and for the sole purpose of retribution.

"Rielly pursues Greig for some time, and has sufficient opportunity to choose to engage him in a different manner or ensure that this cross-check is delivered solely to the body. Instead, fully in control of this play at all times, Rielly chooses to lift his stick to the level of Greig's head and neck."

The brouhaha has been the topic of much debate for the past few days. Maple Leafs enforcer Ryan Reaves made waves with his comments Monday in support of Rielly's retaliation.

Rielly has taken just three major penalties in his 11-year career, including the game misconduct he earned Saturday. Before that, he'd racked up just eight penalty minutes this campaign.

This is the first career suspension for the longtime Leaf. The 29-year-old finished fourth in voting for the Lady Byng Trophy in 2019.

A key player for the Maple Leafs, Rielly has chipped in with 43 points - including 16 on the power play - in 50 games this season while averaging over 24 minutes of ice time per contest.

Detroit Red Wings forward David Perron appealed his six-game suspension for cross-checking Senators blue-liner Artem Zub earlier this season, but it was ultimately upheld.