The NHL’s Department of Player Safety is now responsible for more than just player safety, according to ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski.
The first mention of this expanded mandate came in the league statement regarding the fine issued to Toronto Maple Leafs’ William Nylander for an inappropriate gesture – an extended middle finger directed at the broadcast camera – from the pressbox.
Instead of hearing from Hockey Operations, Player Safety’s George Parros is quoted in the release.
“Nylander’s gesture is a violation of the League’s policy which prohibits inappropriate and offensive remarks, and the use of obscene, profane or abusive language or gestures in the game.”
“Nylander directed an inappropriate gesture at a television camera operator while the camera was directed at Mr. Nylander and his teammates in the press box. The gesture was shown live on-air during the game broadcast,” said NHL Senior Vice President of Player Safety George Parros. “This serves as a reminder the code of conduct governing Players extends throughout the arena at NHL games and in public game situations.”
Player Safety previously focused on on-ice infractions including illegal hits and other dangerous situations.
NHL Hockey Operations – headed by Colin Campbell – handled other issues including abuse of officials, diving/embellishment, violations of the league’s substance abuse policy, sports wagering, and other off-ice conduct.
It appears these will all now roll up under George Parros and the Department of Player Safety.
Campbell and Hockey Ops will still handle incidents and punishments for coaches and teams, per Wyshynski.
