NHL hands out huge fine to Anaheim Ducks
Photo credit: KGET.com
The Anaheim Ducks have been given a massive fine by the NHL for trying to convince players to stay close to home in the offseason to take advantage of training.
The NHL has decided to punish the Anaheim Ducks with a huge fine following a suggestion from general manager Pat Verbeek that players stay in the Florida area over the summer to train with a specific coach. According to Sportnet's Elliotte Friedman, the details were made public in a memo to teams around the league.
"Anaheim was fined $50,000 last week for 'actively pressuring' (according to a memo) players to spend the summer training in Florida with Mike Barwis, who Verbeek strongly believes in."
Friedman said two teams were fined during last offseason for something similar.
"Last season, two teams were found in violation of off-season training rules. Vancouver was fined $50,000 for holding an on-ice 'skills camp,' although players later asked to have the option if they wished. The NHL and NHLPA made a one-year agreement to try, and that has now been extended into this summer."
So, essentially, if players want to train over the summer, they can. However, teams are not allowed to pressure or force players to do so. It stands to reason that Anaheim's fine was the result of someone tipping off the NHL Players' Association. Friedman said the union also sent a memo to teams recently regarding another rule.
"The union also reminded players they cannot be asked to use 'wearable technology' in the offseason. Had no idea that was prohibited."
The Ducks had a tough season following expectations that the team would at least make improvements over the previous season. That didn't pan out. Verbeek was likely trying to ensure he gets the best out of his players and that hockey is still a priority during time off. However, he still has to stay within the confines of the rules of the NHL's collective bargaining agreement.
| POLL | ||
23 AVRIL | 163 ANSWERS NHL hands out huge fine to Anaheim Ducks What do you think of the fine given to the Anaheim Ducks? | ||
| Rules are there for a reason | 90 | 55.2 % |
| It seems childish | 50 | 30.7 % |
| I'm not sure | 23 | 14.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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