Player agent blasts NHL officiating, says that Bettman told teams not to oppose this aspect of the game
PUBLICATION
Sam Hutch
October 29, 2023 (11:39)
The National Hockey League has had a very hard time with consistent, reliable and honest officiating it recent years, but it seems early this season the on ice product has diminished even more. However, most times we wonder why players and coaches don't speak out about the obvious miss calls. Now, we have our answer.
According to notable player agent Allan Walsh, general manages and coaches were given a directive not to go against the NHL officials or their calls publicly; take a look.
Gary Bettman summoned all 32 GM's/Head Coaches to a meeting in Chicago this year just before training camp and sternly warned coaches against any public comments criticizing officials.
Too bad Gary can't control what agents say.
NHL officiating is a smoking pile of HOT GARBAGE!
I know Gary Bettman wants to have control over things, but you shouldn't be able to have this much control over coaches and general manages. Especially when your product on the ice is suffering the way that it is.
I don't always agree with Walsh and how outspoken he is on Twitter, but if this is at all true, this is another example at how Bettman is ruining the game of hockey. Coaches and general managers should be able to call out officials, otherwise, it's just not right.
POLL |
Do you think the coaches should be able to criticize officiating? |
Yes | 101 | 76.5 % |
No | 6 | 4.5 % |
They should be able to | 11 | 8.3 % |
Bettman is ruining the NHL | 14 | 10.6 % |
List of polls |
|
1 hour ago | By Tom Banks Maple Leafs Enforcer Ryan Reaves Learns Suspension Fate After Ejection Against The Edmonton Oilers |
|
1 hour ago | By Graham Montgomery NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman Reveals who is in Line to Replace Gary Bettman as NHL Commissioner |
|
3 hours ago | By Tom Banks Red Wings Move On From Goaltender and Place Him On Waivers After Leaving NHL's Player Assistance Program |
|
4 hours ago | By Daniel Lucente Blackhawks' Connor Bedard's Struggles Have Led HNIC Panel To Debate Changing His Position |
|
6 hours ago | By Daniel Lucente Terrifying Scene as Hockey Player Lays Unconcious On The Ice For 10 Minutes And Has To Be Stretchered Off |
|
7 hours ago | By Julien Trekker Ryan Reaves Responds With Classy Gesture After Horrendous Hit on Darnell Nurse |
|
9 hours ago | By Tom Banks Elliotte Friedman Makes Surprise Statement About The NHL's Salary Cap Situation For 2025-26 |
|
20 hours ago | By Graham Montgomery Terrifying Scene as Ryan Reaves Commits Illegal Head Shot on Oilers Defenseman Darnell Nurse |
Previously on Bladeofsteel