Morgan Rielly of the Toronto Maple Leafs is set to meet with the Department of Player Safety in person, sparking concerns that he may face an unjust punishment as a message from the DOPS. If Rielly receives a suspension of more than two or three games, it will undoubtedly incite frustration among Leafs fans. The incident under review, in my view, doesn’t merit a suspension; the primary point of contact was the shoulder, and slow-motion replays exaggerate the severity of the play.
Similar instances in the past have typically resulted in fines or short suspensions, indicating a precedent that contradicts any lengthy punishment for Rielly. However, there’s a perception that George Parros, head of the DOPS, harbors animosity towards the Leafs. This sentiment stems from an incident in 2013 involving Parros and a Leafs player, which some believe may influence his decisions.
Critics argue that having a former enforcer like Parros overseeing disciplinary actions is problematic, especially if it leads to perceived bias against certain teams. Rielly’s potential suspension would only exacerbate these concerns. The inconsistency in the DOPS’s rulings this season further fuels skepticism about its fairness. Given Rielly’s clean record and the leniency shown in similar cases, any suspension would seem unwarranted and unjustifiable.
