The NHL is streamlining its discipline process. Jerome Miron / Imagn Images
The NHL Department of Player Safety is streamlining its practice of determining supplemental discipline for all players as it will now include those who violate all league rules in addition to where physical infractions are involved, league sources told The Athletic’s Chris Johnston.
ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski was the first to report the change.
The first example of the new policy was Toronto Maple Leafs star William Nylander being fined $5,000 for raising his middle finger at a TSN camera as it panned up to the press box where Nylander and other Leafs players were watching Sunday’s 4-1 loss to the Colorado Avalanche. Nylander later apologized, citing his frustration with being unable to play due to injury.
Previously, players that had violated league policies — such as the gesture Nylander made, the usage of inappropriate language or abuse of officials — were handled by NHL executive vice president and director of hockey operations Colin Campbell when it came to meting out punishment.
Player Safety, which is led by NHL senior vice president George Parros, will now determine most discipline decisions. Campbell is expected to continue handling rules violations that involve coaches or team executives. League commissioner Gary Bettman will still determine punishment for any significant off-ice violation involving player conduct.