NHL sends bold warning to teams for player tampering and reveal the punishments they're facing
Photo credit: New York Times
With Mitch Marner being the top free agent in 2025, Commissioner Gary Bettman and Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly have put out a warning for teams: no tampering!
NHL Insider Pierre LeBrun gave us some insight into the NHL before free agency begins, as he interviewed Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly.
Typically, it hasn't been a standard practice to remind teams to watch their standards for recruiting, as they could be guilty of tampering should they not follow the established rules.
He felt it necessary to reiterate it once again, after news in the media had perturbed him.
«We sent out a reminder to clubs this past week about pre-free-agency talks and certainly hope that will be useful as a reminder,» Daly told The Athletic on Wednesday. «If we are made aware of tampering going on, we will be required to act.».
Last year, there was suspicion that the Hawks and Tyler Bertuzzi had committed tampering during the recruitment process in July, due to the discussions between Nick Foligno and himself.
With news of Mitch Marner being the biggest player in the market, many teams will make an attempt for him, but official negotiations can't begin until July 1st.
However, there again is suspicion arising, as Marner and his Agent Darren Ferris might have traipsed into territory that could be considered tampering. Let's be honest, if you're in the game after July 1st, you might've lost footing in a race that left you behind long ago.
«There was some commentary in the media that I was uncomfortable with around July 1 that indicated that there may have been contact and negotiation before July 1,» he said.
With the CBA getting rid of the UFA speaking period restrictions have gotten a lot tighter, the ground they walk on is more ambiguous and could result in a penalty if they don't follow the rules to the T.
But does that mean they're working with loopholes when they engage before the 1st? Maybe.
For now, Ferris is playing by the rules and has issued this statement:
For now, Ferris is playing by the rules and has issued this statement:
«As per the rules, we are only permitted to speak with teams beginning July 1,» Darren Ferris, Mitch Marner's agent, said Wednesday. «At that time, prospective teams will have the opportunity to speak with Mitch directly. Following those conversations, Mitch will make an informed and thoughtful decision.»
NHL reveals punishment teams will face for player tampering
«Fines, suspensions and potential loss of draft picks,»
- Bill Daly.
- Bill Daly.
Which sounds like Daly's words were heard loud and clear. But what is going on behind the scenes that could give us an idea of impropriety?
The Maple Leafs' attacking the Vegas Golden Knights in the media is certainly cause for concern. Regardless, this could blow up in Kelly McCrimmon's face, and Darren Ferris' too, should this turn out to be a case of tampering.
Previously on HawksInsider
| POLL | ||
JUIN 30 | 328 ANSWERS NHL sends bold warning to teams for player tampering and reveal the punishments they're facing Do you think the Vegas Golden Knights are going to be guilty of tampering if they sign forward Mitch Marner of the Toronto Maple Leafs on July 1st? | ||
| Yes | 240 | 73.2 % |
| No | 88 | 26.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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