NHL GM's Call For Massive Rule Changes After the Golden Knights' Most Recent Moves
Though many of us NHL fans think of the league as a major source of entertainment, we still have to remember that this is also a business that has rules to follow. Yet, one team in particular has been taking advantage of loopholes to the detriment of several other teams, leading many of the league's general managers to call for changes to be made.
Major Loophole Exposed In LTIR
As many fans of the sport know, hockey can be very dangerous, and systems need to be put in place for injured players to get both the care they need, as well as employee-employment protections. In the NHL, that system is the Long-Term Injured Reserve. Part of this system involves how the team can manage cap space. This, however, is where problems come in.
Players being placed on LTIR opens up cap space, which allows for leadership to acquire players who are intended to temporarily take the spot of the injured player. However, a player who has been placed on LTIR during the regular season can be pulled off by the playoffs, and vice-versa. This ultimately leaves space for a team to sit any player out and beef up their team in the race to the Stanley Cup. This is exactly what Vegas is being accused of doing now.
Golden Knights Accused Of Abusing LTIR System
The Golden Knights have been taking swift action in utilizing this LTIR system in the days surrounding the trade deadline. Just as of today, they placed William Carrier on LTIR, opening up more than $1 million. There were also reports that they had looked at placing other seemingly fine players on LTIR, but the trade deadline has passed.
"Vegas' medical staff confirms the recovery period for his undisclosed injury is 42 days. From another source we understand the Golden Knights were preparing to put Barbashev , Marchessault, Pietrangelo and Theodore on LTIR until they realized the trade deadline had passed."
As a result of this behavior, fans are sharing their thoughts on this matter. Many of them have since pointed out that this strategy is also being used by the Toronto Maple Leafs.
NHL General Managers Call For Massive Rule Change
With Vegas taking the championship last year, the team is under more scrutiny. Consequentially, this led several general managers in the NHL to take note of this misuse of the system. Though it is too late to do anything about it this season, they have since called for massive changes to be made in the collective bargaining agreement so this does not happen again.
"Friedman at the intermission says a couple of managers are not 100% comfortable with a player not being able to play game #82 in regular season but can play Game 1 of the playoffs, there is nothing you can do in this CBA but perhaps will be addressed in next CBA."
After this announcement was made, many NHL fans started sharing their thoughts on the matter. Some make their suggestions on how this system can be fixed, while others remain pessimistic about any action being taken at all.
While we are not able to predict how the activity of the Golden Knights will impact the future of how the NHL treats injured players, we can certainly expect they will not be hearing an end to the accusations this season. We can also hope that these managers speaking out will help leadership work on an agreement that works for everyone.
| POLL | ||
MARS 10 | 153 ANSWERS NHL GM's Call For Massive Rule Changes After the Golden Knights' Most Recent Moves Is this rule change going to make it into the next CBA? | ||
| Yes | 113 | 73.9 % |
| No | 40 | 26.1 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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