Leafs forward Jason Spezza suspended for six games for kneeing Jets defenceman Pionk

The NHL has suspended Toronto Maple Leafs forward Jason Spezza six games for kneeing Winnipeg Jets defenceman Neal Pionk during a game Sunday.

Spezza hit Pionk in the head with his knee during Toronto's chaotic 6-3 loss in Winnipeg during the third period as the Jets defenceman attempted to clear the puck away with his hand.

Spezza was not assessed a penalty on the play and the Jets say Pionk was placed in concussion protocol after the hit.

Spezza had an in-person hearing with the league Tuesday and in their video explaining the suspension the NHL's department of player safety called the hit "reckless and retaliatory."

Spezza will forfeit US$22,500 in salary.