Around the league (signings, RFAs injuries)

[Island Nucklehead]

Does anyone know off hand if this is typical for the league to suspend a player 1) while under investigation and/or 2) once charges are laid.

I don't think the NHL has ever suspended a player for off-ice criminal charges or investigations. Off the top of my head, Ryan Malone (drugs), Ed Belfour (drunk and disorderly), Byfuglien (drunk-boating), Craig MacTavish (vehicular manslaughter) - all were charged and faced no league or team discipline.

Probert was suspended indefinitely by the league for trying to smuggle coke across the border. Suspension was lifted after his prison/halfway house term was up.

[Hockey Widow]

I remember years past Roy and before him Palmateer were also involved in alleged off ice domestic abuse scandals. Neither was charged. But that's history. Of course you have the Danny Heatley incident as well.

But recent history I just can't think of a player being suspended before his day in court. As much as I deplore domestic violence this smacks of political correctness. Perhaps there was an admission that he caused the injury whereas with that AVs goalie denied he ever hit the woman?? I dunno, just doesn't sit right with me.

[Strangelove]

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/h ... e21165676/

Not sure what the problem is here.

The league has the right to decide whether or not to suspend a player in a case such as this (from the article):

The NHL imposed the suspension under Section 18-A.5 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, which gives the league the right to suspend a player who is facing a criminal investigation "pending the league's formal review and disposition of the matter where the failure to suspend the player during this period would create a substantial risk of material harm to the legitimate interests and/or reputation of the league."

Part of this most-recent decision is no doubt due to the fact "the times they are a changin".

Here's what our old pal Manny had to say (from the article):

Veteran Montreal Canadiens centre Manny Malhotra characterized the league's decision to immediately suspend Voynov as "pro-active," and said "I'm glad to see it."

The 17-year veteran, a member of the NHL Players' Association bargaining committee during the 2012-13 lockout, said domestic violence is "a sensitive issue, but also a very serious one ... you want to be ahead of the curve."

According to Malhotra, the league's decision to act before Voynov has his day in court was defensible - NHL players are public figures, which distinguishes them from employees in most other work environments.

"This is a pretty special workplace, only 700 of us get to be part of it," said Malhotra - and it is in the interests of both the league and its players to be held to a high standard of behaviour.


The league gets to make the call in each & every case of alleged off-ice bad behavior.

I'm good with that.

[Per]

Zemgus Girgensons currently has 399,356 votes to get into the game in Columbus. Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban is the next highest, with 240,362. Crosby currently has 218,672 votes.

Latvians are stuffing the ballots. And why not? It's time for Rory 2.0.

LINK

I picked up Girgensons in my yahoo fantasy pool. It's a head to head league, and he creates a lot of SOG, blocks and hits, which are categories we have. He even takes some face-offs!
As they said, he's having a nice little year. Too bad we don't have a making-the-allstar-game category...

[Hockey Widow]

Cory Crawford out 2-3 weeks with lower body injury. Too bad Markstrom is hurt. Looks like a little goalie market has opened up.

[Hockey Widow]

Doc, I get your point. in the grand scheme of things I really don't have an issue even though this whole innocent until proven guilty thing. Knowing me the way I do I would be screaming bloody murder if he were not suspended. Where there is smoke there is fire.

[dbr]

I don't see much point in citing league precedent in these matters.

Those are all pre-Ray Rice incidents, and for whatever reason it is immensely popular for pro sports leagues to be our moral arbiters these days. Or at least, it's exceedingly unpopular for them to do a monumentally shitty job of it (as Topper outlined).

The lost cap for the Kings is a bit troubling; providing them with relief sets a troubling precedent (does Craig Berube lay a beating on Mrs. Lecavalier and frame Vinny?) but really.. how is an NHL franchise supposed to account for this.

[Hockey Widow]

I don't see much point in citing league precedent in these matters.

Those are all pre-Ray Rice incidents, and for whatever reason it is immensely popular for pro sports leagues to be our moral arbiters these days. Or at least, it's exceedingly unpopular for them to do a monumentally shitty job of it (as Topper outlined).

The lost cap for the Kings is a bit troubling; providing them with relief sets a troubling precedent (does Craig Berube lay a beating on Mrs. Lecavalier and frame Vinny?) but really.. how is an NHL franchise supposed to account for this.

I think the NHL and PA did the right thing on this one with respect to the cap. As much as I love seeing a rival suffer it is the correct approach in not having it count against the cap. As in all precedents the NHL sets they won't feel bound by it. They will simply say it's different the next time something happens. They are not accountable outside the PA.

All in all, no more story here. It has been handled the best way possible and kudos to the NHL for being pro active.

[Hockey Widow]

Edmonton announces major press conference for tomorrow. Wonder if it is to acknowledge that they won't make the playoffs?

[Meds]

Edmonton announces major press conference for tomorrow. Wonder if it is to acknowledge that they won't make the playoffs?

I hear it is Daryl Katz announcing several things. First, the promotion of Kevin Lowe to CEO and VP of The Katz Group's new division of sports entertainment that will be operating out of the existing Oilers offices.

Secondly, Mark Messier will be hired on and he and MacTavish will share the jobs of GM and VP's of President of Hockey Ops because after Lowe vacates the President's job it is felt that nobody could succeed him in that position because of the outstanding job he has done. Therefore they are going to "retire" the position and distribute the responsibilities.

Finally, Kevin Lowe's jersey will be retired. There was allegedly some debate about this, but one they played the clip about Lowe knowing a thing or two about winning, that sealed the deal.

Rumors swirling that Katz is doing things a bit different with this jersey retirement. Instead of a jersey it will be one of Lowe's "game worn" suit jackets with an Oilers crest sewed on and his number 4 on the back. This is because on top of all his incredible contributions and performances as a player, his work in the head office has been instrumental building this fledgling new dynasty in Edmonton.

[Arachnid]

Edmonton announces major press conference for tomorrow. Wonder if it is to acknowledge that they won't make the playoffs?

I hear it is Daryl Katz announcing several things. First, the promotion of Kevin Lowe to CEO and VP of The Katz Group's new division of sports entertainment that will be operating out of the existing Oilers offices.

Secondly, Mark Messier will be hired on and he and MacTavish will share the jobs of GM and VP's of President of Hockey Ops because after Lowe vacates the President's job it is felt that nobody could succeed him in that position because of the outstanding job he has done. Therefore they are going to "retire" the position and distribute the responsibilities.

Finally, Kevin Lowe's jersey will be retired. There was allegedly some debate about this, but one they played the clip about Lowe knowing a thing or two about winning, that sealed the deal.

Rumors swirling that Katz is doing things a bit different with this jersey retirement. Instead of a jersey it will be one of Lowe's "game worn" suit jackets with an Oilers crest sewed on and his number 4 on the back. This is because on top of all his incredible contributions and performances as a player, his work in the head office has been instrumental building this fledgling new dynasty in Edmonton.

Meow

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2014/12/03 ... ostpopular

[Hockey Widow]

Kyper saying a strong chance that Eberle could be going to Boston. Depends upon Boston clearing cap which means another team or two may be involved taking a salary from Boston. He says this is not imminent and not likely to be part of the presser tomorrow. But interesting that Bostom may need another team to step up and take salRy, hello Jim!!!! Although not sure who we would want at this point if it's not a D man.

He goes on to say that word is out that Edmonton is finally ready to start dealing some of their young kids but they won't be given away. MacT hasn't shown thus far he can make the big moves but I wonder if he finally has the green light. Apparently he hasn't been given permission previously to deal any of their young stars but that may be about to change.

I don't advocate they trade them all but 2-3 of them need to be moved out for depth and role players and yes, more picks.

[Meds]

Kyper saying a strong chance that Eberle could be going to Boston. Depends upon Boston clearing cap which means another team or two may be involved taking a salary from Boston. He says this is not imminent and not likely to be part of the presser tomorrow. But interesting that Bostom may need another team to step up and take salRy, hello Jim!!!! Although not sure who we would want at this point if it's not a D man.

He goes on to say that word is out that Edmonton is finally ready to start dealing some of their young kids but they won't be given away. MacT hasn't shown thus far he can make the big moves but I wonder if he finally has the green light. Apparently he hasn't been given permission previously to deal any of their young stars but that may be about to change.

I don't advocate they trade them all but 2-3 of them need to be moved out for depth and role players and yes, more picks.

I don't know what they can make happen there.

Anybody of value in Boston have these wonderful NTC's attached to their contracts. NONE of them will waive for Edmonton.

[BurningBeard]

Please tell me the rumors are true and Dallas Eakins might be canned and replaced by Messier. I would do *anything* to get Mark officially associated with this sideshow.

Are you reading this Mark?

Anything. I mean it.

[Hockey Widow]

You really think Mark wants yo coach? Would be funny him having MacT and Lowe as his bosses. Maybe he will become special assistant to the prez.

Who knows what the presser is about. Hard to magine it is anything significant simply because no word has leaked as to what it may be about. Maybe MacT is stepping down? More likely it is a rambling explanation of what is going on with a promise to take bold steps to fix it. More of the same would be my guess.

Any key airport sightings in Edmonton?

fwiw

Terry Jones @sunterryjones
Oilers press conference at 9 a.m. tomorrow. Nobody being fired. Craig MacTavish serving himself up to sit on the hot seat.

Apparently Oilers have told everyone no firings, no trades to announce, MacT just making himself available to the press, a short statement then open to questions. Sounds like MacT is being thrown to the wolves.