The Morgan Rielly suspension has been the lead story on every sports news program for the last five days. After the league's decision to suspend Rielly for 5 games, the veteran defender has decided to appeal the suspension to NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. Throughout this process Head Coach Sheldon Keefe has remained supportive of his top defender, even going as far as admitting he approved of Rielly's reaction.
Over the last few days Rielly has still been active at Maple Leafs practice, even taking part in forward drills. Yesterday, due to the Leafs being short handed due to multiple players being out with illness, Morgan Rielly took line rushes next to Matthew Knies and Auston Matthews. Rielly didn't look out of place and seemed like a natural fit, so much so that Sheldon Keefe shared a hilarious idea he had going forward.
While Keefe is obviously kidding, if nothing else the suspension for Rielly will give the veteran dman an opportunity to catch his breath. After leading the Leafs' defense in minutes, Rielly will have an opportunity to get some much needed rest. The Leafs are currently 1-0-0 without Rielly and will look to keep that momentum rolling tonight against the Philadelphia Flyers
