Winnipeg Jets Neal Pionk to have a phone hearing with Player Safety

Last night’s 3rd period between the Jets and Leafs was chaos. Following the 6-3 win by Winnipeg over Toronto there was a lot of focus from Leafs Nation on the hit that Neal Pionk laid on Rasmus Sandin which resulted in the Toronto defenceman having to be helped off the ice.

Here was the hit (happens six seconds into video):

You can see that Pionk leans in with his shoulder to make contact but does connect with his leg.

Accordingly the Department of Player Safety has tweeted this:

Neal Pionk will have a hearing today for Kneeing Toronto’s Rasmus Sandin.

If you watched the above video you’ll see the hit Jason Spezza laid on Pionk when he was down on the ice. Department of Player Safety also indicated that this will mean:

Jason Spezza has been offered an in-person hearing via Zoom for Kneeing Winnipeg’s Neal Pionk. Date and time TBD.

That could mean five or more games for the veteran.

If the Jets defenceman does get suspended it could mean that Jets 2017 3rd rounder Johnny Kovacevic could make his NHL debut although the Moose are on the road and the up against the cap which makes that less likely, which means the team could simply use Nathan Beaulieu on his off side.