Report: Arizona Coyotes accused of illegal pre-draft testing
The Arizona Coyotes are potentially in some hot water with the NHL and commissioner Gary Bettman for how they are handling their pre-draft scouting.
According to TSN’s Darren Dreger, the Coyotes are allegedly putting draft-eligible Canadian Hockey League players through some form of physical testing as part of their scouting for the 2020 NHL Entry Draft.
The NHL is currently investigating the situation.
Sources say the NHL is investigating the Arizona Coyotes over allegations of physical testing of draft eligible CHL players. Full story tonight in Insider Trading. Link will be posted soon.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) January 30, 2020
According to Dreger on “Insider Trading,” the Ontario Hockey League, Western Hockey League and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League — the three leagues that comprise the CHL — all sent emails asking their clubs to report any contact from the Coyotes.
Multiple teams have reportedly told their leagues that there has indeed been contact from Arizona regarding physically testing of their players.
The NHL forbids any testing before the NHL Scouting Combine that transpires prior to the draft.
“We are aware of the reports," the Coyotes said in a statement per Dreger. "We have discussed the matter with the NHL and we will have no further comment at this time."
If the Coyotes are found guilty, they will face fines of up to $250,000 or more per incident.
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