Controversy erupted after Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz was seen vomiting on the bench during a television timeout, following two blows to the head in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the NHL Playoffs.[i] The first incident occurred in the opening period, when Panthers forward Sam Reinhart fired a wrist shot that... Continue Reading →
The purpose of the Department of Player Safety (“the Department”) is to monitor on-ice conduct and provide supplemental discipline in order to preserve the integrity of the game. The goal of supplementary discipline for on-ice conduct is to ensure the process is swift, effective, and consistent in matters that involve the use of excessive or... Continue Reading →
With the immense success of the 4 Nations Face-Off, it will be interesting to see how the NHL handles this type of series in the future. During his end-of-season interview, Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy spoke out about his injuries and his time participating in the event. McAvoy has not played a competitive hockey game... Continue Reading →
With Isaac Howard winning the 2025 Hobey Baker Memorial Award, and the complications that are arising with the Tampa Bay Lightning, it was announced that he will return to play his senior season with Michigan State.[i] Howard received the award just a few days after he and the Lightning failed to reach a contractual agreement.... Continue Reading →
It was officially announced on March 20, 2025, that the Boston Celtics were sold to Bill Chisholm for $6.1 billion.[i] This deal is set to become the largest sales of a sports franchise in North America, surpassing the $6.05 billion sale of the Washington Commanders in 2023.[ii] Wyc Grousbeck has been the majority owner of... Continue Reading →
On March 31, 2025, the NHL announced a new 12-year Canadian TV deal that will pay the NHL $7.7 billion (USD) or $11 billion (CAD).[i] The NHL’s media and executive committees recommended the deal, which was approved by a majority vote by the owners.[ii] The deal will take effect in the 2026-2027 NHL season.[iii] The... Continue Reading →
On March 10, 2025, Florida Panther’s defenseman Aaron Ekblad was suspended for twenty games for violating the terms of the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program.[i] At the time of the suspension, the Panthers had eighteen games remaining, and as it currently stands, are on pace to make the 2025 NHL playoffs. [ii] Ekblad is expected... Continue Reading →
Student-athlete Nyzier Fourqurean sued the NCAA after being denied an extra year of eligibility.[1] Prior to joining the Wisconsin football program in 2023, he was enrolled at Grand Valley State from 2020 to 2022.[2] His 2020 season was abruptly cut short when COVID-19 swept the nation.[3] Additionally, the death of his father caused him to... Continue Reading →
What are the differences between no-movement and no-trade clauses, and how do these contractual provisions impact the National Hockey League (NHL)? No-Trade Clause (NTC) A no-trade clause means a player “cannot be traded, unless he chooses to waive the clause.”[i] To make this provision more team-friendly, some general managers will sign players to modified no-trade... Continue Reading →
Leagues typically structure themselves in one of two ways: the traditional club model or the single-entity model. [i] In a traditional structure, “the owners of the clubs/teams own the league, with the Commissioner/CEO reporting to a Board comprised of club owners.” [ii] Generally, in this model, any business decisions, such as franchise relocation or expansion,... Continue Reading →