While we've known for a while that the NHL was investigating the Arizona Coyotes for allegedly putting draft eligible players through physical testing before the 2019 Draft Combine, we're just now getting a sense of the fines the team is facing. According to TSN's Darren Dreger, who first broke the story, the NHL is investigating at least 20 possible incidents of Arizona physically testing players. At $250,000 per incident, the Coyotes could be fined up to $5 million if it is determined that they actually broke the rules.
The physical testing of players prior to the NHL Combine is expressly prohibited by the league. Teams can interview players on their own, but they are not permitted to have the players go through any type of physical testing whatsoever. All teams must wait for the draft combine and, following that, can conduct their own further testing if they feel it is required.
According to Dreger, the three leagues that make up the CHL--The OHL, WHL, and QMJHL--require their junior teams to report any contact from NHL clubs. Leading up to the investigation, it had been confirmed that multiple CHL teams have received contact from the Coyotes organization prior to the 2019 Draft Combine.
Officially, all the Coyotes have said about the investigation is that they are aware of it and will have no further comment at this time. Dreger states NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly and NHL lawyers are now managing the case.
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