Spezza cleared COVID-19 protocol and practiced Monday, David Alter of The Hockey News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Spezza figures to be in the lineup for Toronto's next game, whenever that might be. The 38-year-old has 11 points in 26 contests this season.

Spezza entered the NHL's COVID-19 protocols on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Spezza just had his suspension shortened to four games, which made him eligible to play Saturday against the Canucks, but he'll miss that game after landing in the protocols. The 38-year-old will need two negative tests to be activated again.

The NHL shortened Spezza's suspension from six games to four.

EDGE Analysis

The 38-year-old will now be eligible to play Saturday in Vancouver. Explaining the decision, Commissioner Gary Bettman cited Spezza's long history of clean play prior to the Dec. 5 incident, when he kneed Winnipeg's Neal Pionk. The forward, who has seven goals and four assists this season, should reassume his normal role in Toronto's lineup.

Spezza and the NHLPA have appealed the 38-year-old's six-game suspension.

EDGE Analysis

Spezza's appeal will first be heard by commissioner Gary Bettman, and if that fails, a neutral arbitrator. Historically, these appeals processes have taken some time -- recall the Tom Wilson 20-game suspension that was reduced to 14 on appeal despite the winger missing 16 games. As such, fantasy managers waiting for Spezza will likely still be without him until Dec. 19 versus the Kraken.

Spezza was suspended six games Tuesday for kneeing the Jets' Neal Pionk on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

It's a surprisingly long ban for the 38-year-old, who is a first-time offender. He was not in the lineup Tuesday versus the Blue Jackets, which counts as the first game of the suspension. Spezza will be eligible to return Dec. 19 against the Kraken.

Spezza (not injury related) is not in Tuesday's lineup versus the Blue Jackets, David Alter of The Hockey News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Spezza was offered an in-person hearing after kneeing the Jets' Neal Pionk in Sunday's game. While the Department of Player Safety has yet to hand down a ruling on supplemental discipline, Spezza's absence from the lineup suggests a suspension is on the horizon.

Spezza will have an in-person hearing with the Department of Player Safety for kneeing the Jets' Neal Pionk, the league announced Monday.

EDGE Analysis

The fact that Spezza was offered an in-person hearing means he could be suspended for more than five games following Sunday's incident. Over the course of his 19-year NHL career, Spezza has never been suspended, so this will certainly be an unfamiliar situation for the veteran center.

Spezza scored twice and added an assist in a 4-3 overtime loss to the Wild.

EDGE Analysis

With Mitch Marner out, Spezza moved onto the top PP and notched a goal and assist there. He continues to play well, even at 38, and is rolling with three goals and an assist in his last two games. Spezza is worth a spot start next game if Marner continues to be sidelined.

Spezza scored a power-play goal on two shots in Wednesday's 6-2 win over the Kings.

EDGE Analysis

Spezza struck at 15:36 of the second period, finishing off a four-goal frame for the Maple Leafs. The 38-year-old continues to make noise as a power-play specialist -- he's picked up four of his seven points this year with the man advantage. Spezza has added 33 shots on net, 10 PIM and a minus-1 rating in 21 contests. He'll continue to play limited minutes at even strength, so fantasy managers shouldn't expect steady offense from him.

Spezza scored a goal on two shots and had two PIM in Saturday's 7-1 loss to the Penguins.

EDGE Analysis

Spezza put away a loose puck during a scramble in front to tie the game at 1-1 with 7:16 left in the first period. That was the extent of Toronto's offense for the rest of the night, with Pittsburgh responding with six unanswered goals. Spezza has found the back of the net in two straight games and boasts three goals and four points in six contests overall.