⬇️ Capitals to stay in DC

Guhle suspended, NHL denies CTE, 2 players fined, and more!

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Slapshot News
March 29, 2024

In today’s edition:

  • ⬇️ Capitals to stay in DC

  • Arizona coyotes rendering

  • 🧠 NHL denies CTE link

  • 🔥 Kaiden Guhle suspended

  • 💵 Two players fined

  • And more!

Capitals to stay in DC

An agreement was reached between Muriel Bowser, mayor of D.C., and Ted Leonsis, owner of the Wizards and Capitals to keep the teams in D.C. for an additional 25 years. This deal prevents Leonsis from moving the teams to Virginia as previously planned. Under the terms of the agreement, D.C. will provide $515 million to modernize the arena while Leonsis will assume management of the Mystics’ arena and take over the Gallery Place retail center.

The agreement between Bowser and Leonsis came about after Leonsis’s initial plan to relocate to Virginia fell through. Leonsis expressed frustration with the state of D.C., particularly crime and a lack of investment in the arena. Bowser disagreed with Leonsis’s assessment and maintained that the District had a mutually beneficial relationship with Monumental Sports & Entertainment. Negotiations between D.C. and Virginia for the teams continued until March 9, 2024, when the Virginia General Assembly rejected the arena proposal.

The failed Virginia deal is attributed to several factors including partisan politics and opposition from Senator L. Louise Lucas. Lucas was concerned that the project would be a giveaway to a billionaire and would put state finances at risk. Additionally, residents of Alexandria raised concerns about traffic and transportation disruptions caused by the arena. With the Virginia deal falling apart, Bowser reached out to Leonsis and they were able to come to terms on a new agreement to keep the teams in D.C.

Kaiden Guhle suspended 1 game

Montreal Canadiens' defenseman Kaiden Guhle landed himself a one-game suspension for a slash on Philadelphia Flyers' forward Travis Konecny during Thursday's game. The incident, which went unnoticed by the referees, occurred late in the second period with Konecny skating by the Montreal bench. Guhle will miss the upcoming game against the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday as punishment for the off-ice slash. This suspension creates an opportunity for Johnny Kovacevic to potentially step into the lineup for the Carolina game.

NHL denies link to CTE

The NHL continues to deny a connection between repeated hits to the head and a brain condition called CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy). This comes despite recent medical studies suggesting a link. An NHL official, Bill Daly, stated they disagree with these studies, claiming there isn't enough scientific evidence.

These comments follow the recent suicide of former NHL player Chris Simon, who experienced a history of violent on-ice encounters. His family believes CTE contributed to his death. The NHL commissioner offered condolences but didn't directly address CTE, emphasizing safety improvements in the league.

Capitals Ethan Bear to enter Player Assistance Program

The National Hockey League Players’ Association and National Hockey League announced Wednesday that defenseman Ethan Bear of the Washington Capitals will be unavailable to his Club for an indefinite period while he receives care from the Player Assistance Program of the NHLPA and NHL. Under the terms of the joint program, he will return to the Club when cleared for on-ice competition by the program administrators. The NHL players assistance program is a confidential resource for players and their families to get help with mental health, substance abuse, and other challenges.

Byram fined maximum for interference

Buffalo’s Bowen Byram has been fined $5,000, the maximum allowable under the CBA, for interference on Ottawa’s Angus Crookshank.

The hit occurred in the first period with the Sens already up 4-0 when Byram hit unsuspecting Crookshank high long after gave up possession. Crookshank was slow to get up as play continued and made his way off the ice once the whistle was blown. 

In other news…

Anaheim Ducks forward Ryan Strome has been fined $5,000, the maximum allowable under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, for cross-checking Seattle Kraken forward Tye Kartye during NHL Game No. 1162 in Seattle on Thursday, March 28, the National Hockey League’s Department of Player Safety announced today.

The incident occurred at 4:50 of the third period. Strome was assessed a minor penalty for cross-checking.

The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.