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Gary Bettman Under Fire: The Huge Controversy Brewing in Vegas

Photo of Igor Burdetskiy Igor Burdetskiy Follow on X April 18, 2023
2 1 minute read

During a press conference yesterday, Vegas Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy sparked outrage by announcing that team captain Mark Stone would be returning for the series opener against the Winnipeg Jets.

This is important news for the Vegas team because Stone was injured on January 12th against Florida while serving as the team’s second-best player.

It’s worth noting that Mark Stone missed the first three months of the current season, during which he scored 38 points in 43 games. The news of his return for the first playoff game sparked strong reactions and reignited the debate over the “Nikita Kucherov rule.”

Indeed, the Golden Knights were able to place Stone on the long-term injured reserve list, allowing them to acquire quality new players for less than Stone’s annual salary ($9.5 million).

Because there is no salary cap during the postseason, they can now bring Stone back into their lineup just in time for the playoffs. It’s all too convenient that Stone is getting back to full strength just as the playoffs begin.

Naturally, Gary Bettman has received some criticism, and the controversy has truly erupted.

The Vegas Golden Knights, the Pacific Division champions and the top team in the Western Conference standings, are considered favorites to win their series against the Jets.

Igor Burdetskiy

Igor Burdetskiy

Founder, Editor-in-Chief, & CEO at Hooked on Hockey Magazine
I grew up playing Ball and Roller Hockey day and night somewhat religiously throughout elementary and middle school. The two don't compare though when I lace up the skates and hit the ice. I live and breathe hockey beyond the perspective of "it's just a game" and I will gladly talk hockey for hours with anyone. Hockey is more than just a lifestyle, it's a culture of passionate people who make memories every time the puck is dropped. Hockey has not only helped me get through some of the hardest times in life but has created some of the best memories to date. Want to talk hockey with me? Shoot me an email: iburdetskiy@hookedonhockey.com and let's talk some hockey!
Igor Burdetskiy
Photo of Igor Burdetskiy Igor Burdetskiy Follow on X April 18, 2023
2 1 minute read
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