The NHL is reportedly looking to end the rather odd practice of teams being awarded draft picks when another club hires a fired head coach or general manager. Originally, a rule was put in place which would compensate a team if one of their employees leaves to find employment with a new club. This rule has since been exploited and teams are asking for compensation for terminated employees.
Recently, the Pittsburgh Penguins asked for compensation after the Buffalo Sabres hired Dan Bylsma. The Penguins fired Bylsma in 2014, but were given a conditional third-round pick in the 2016 NHL Draft by the Sabres. This practice doesn’t make much sense as the Penguins willfully terminated Bylsma and as a result, Bylsma should be viewed as a “free agent” as opposed to a commodity the Penguins own.
As transcribed by The Score, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet commented on the NHL ending this practice.
They’re going to get together at the Board of Governors meeting, which is going to be in Vegas during the (NHL) Awards, and it’s expected this will be straightened out.
They’ll say, “Look, if somebody’s been fired, you don’t get compensation for them.” It’s only if you get somebody still working for a team. That’s the way it’s going to work out in the future.
It’s kind of hilarious that the NHL and the various teams around the league not only found the loophole, but found a way to exploit it. Isn’t it common sense that you shouldn’t receive anything for a coach or GM you fired?
