The appeal was filed by the NHL Players' Association on Spezza's behalf, the union said in a tweet Wednesday.
The Toronto Maple Leafs forward was disciplined for kneeing Winnipeg Jets defenseman Neal Pionk on Sunday. The incident occurred at 7:24 of the third period in Toronto's 6-3 loss. Spezza was not given a penalty on the play. Pionk remained in the game but is now in NHL concussion protocol.
Spezza did not play Tuesday in a 5-4 win against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Toronto next plays Thursday against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The appeal would be heard by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. Spezza would have the right to a decision by an independent arbitrator after the appeal.
Under the terms of the NHL/NHLPA Collective Bargaining Agreement, based on his average annual salary, Spezza would forfeit $22,500. The money goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.
