So much was made when Toronto Maple Leafs defender Morgan Rielly was suspended 5 games for his cross-check on Ottawa Senators forward Ridly Greig. Some fans believe 5 games was excessive for a first time offender, while others believe the suspension wasn't long enough, first time offender or not. However they may be a very strategic reason Rielly's suspension was capped at 5 games.
According to the 32 Thoughts Podcast, part of the reason the suspension was 5 games was actually to discourage teams and player from further appeals while also taking the ability to appeal to an independent adjudicator off the board entirely; take a look.
If the suspension went past 5 games, the Leafs would've been able to take their appeal beyond Gary Bettman himself. By only suspending 5 games, the appeal stays in house.
If you think about it, it's a smart move by Bettman for more than one reason. It's slimy for sure, but it's also a show of power to everyone around the league.
