One GM suggested a ban on trading long-term injured players

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Jeff Drouin
April 2, 2022 (5:10 PM)

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This week, the traditional NHL general managers' meeting took place in Palm Beach, Florida. It was Kent Hughes' first general meeting as an NHL GM.

As reported by my colleague Christian Matte of Marqueur.com, several issues were discussed, including the salary cap increase as well as the management of the long-term injured list.

In this regard, an NHL general manager reportedly made a suggestion to his colleagues regarding the availability of players on the long-term injured list.

"One GM privately suggested that players like Ryan Kesler, Bryan Little and Shea Weber should not be available for trade. If he gets hurt with you, you can use him for the long-term injured list, but no one else. However, other general managers strongly disagree."

This was reported by tipster Elliotte Friedman in his 32 Thoughts podcast, available on Sportsnet's website. Gary Bettman and league officials will have to look into the matter.

As we know, Kent Hughes came close to trading Shea Weber's contract to the Arizona Coyotes at the trade deadline, but the trade was aborted over an insurance issue.

This strategy has already paid off for the Coyotes, who managed to reach the salary cap by adding the salary of players who were not eligible to play. This was the case with Pavel Datsyuk among others.

For some NHL general managers, it is a strategy that can pay off at times but for others, it is a headache and the league should eventually find a solution.

Previously on HabsFanatics

Kent Hughes confirms that a trade involving Jeff Petry could happen this summer

Insider comments on Carey Price's future in Montreal and a potential trade involving him

Trevor Zegras still dazzles the hockey world, but he was not in a good mood after the game

POLL
2 AVRIL \| 229 ANSWERS One GM suggested a ban on trading long-term injured players Should the NHL allow teams to trade injured players in order to reduce their payroll?
Yes	127	55.5 %
No	102	44.5 %
LIST OF POLLS