Former Toronto Maple Leafs forward Tyler Bertuzzi could face disciplinary action for alleged tampering this past offseason. In a recent edition of 32 Thoughts, insider Elliotte Friedman discussed the NHL’s “tampering warning.” Specifically, the league is looking to crack down on players who “blatantly” violate free agency negotiation rules.
In Tyler Bertuzzi’s case, he reportedly spoke to Chicago Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno a couple of days before free agency opened on July 1. Prior to July 1, Bertuzzi was technically under contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs. As such, Bertuzzi could not be directly contacted by other teams.
As Friedman pointed out, it’s not that this sort of situation doesn’t happen. It’s just that the league doesn’t want to make it too obvious. In fact, Friedman makes a good argument insofar as players needing time to process information and offers before deciding on career and life-altering proposals.
However, Bertuzzi let it slip on social media that Foligno had contacted him about playing in Chicago. Per Bertuzzi, he hadn’t even thought about joining the Blackhawks. But it was Foligno’s comment that piqued his interest in signing with Chicago.
It’s unclear what sort of disciplinary action, if any, Bertuzzi could face. Such action could be something as lenient as a public scorning. Nevertheless, a more drastic approach could be taken, perhaps a fine or suspension.
Unfortunately, the league may want to make an example of Bertuzzi so that players and agents know to keep things under wraps.
John Tavares and Toronto Maple Leafs investigated in 2018
Perhaps one of the most famous tempering investigations was John Tavares’ signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Friedman reminded fans that the league looked into Tavares’ signing in 2018 after it was alleged that the Leafs and Tavares had worked out a deal behind the scenes.
The league looked into the deal, and nothing unusual was uncovered. Friedman underscored that the investigation happened at the league’s instigation, not the New York Islanders.
Now, I’m not suggesting that tampering was involved in Tavares’ case. But assuming there was some under-the-table stuff, it wasn’t anything as overt as Tyler Bertuzzi’s situation.
But even if Tavares, his agent, and Leafs’ management went on a weekend getaway before July 1, 2018, it ultimately doesn’t matter. I agree with Friedman in the sense that NHL players have careers like the rest of us. We can’t be expected to make major decisions about relocating our families at the drop of a hat.
So, tampering is necessary in order for players to decide what’s best for them and their families. Perhaps the league might consider some sort of “pre-negotiation” period in which free-agents-to-be could openly negotiate via their agents.
Such a situation could reduce the need for wink-wink stuff. In fact, the league could greatly benefit as added transparency could allow teams and players to better manage hockey’s business side.