NHL + Suspensions?

Question

I was browsing the transactions and noticed that Jesse Boulerice and Steve Downie have moved between the Phantoms and the Flyers repeatedly since their suspensions. This usually happens on game days but it has not been 100% consistent. My guess is that they need to be on the roster to serve their suspension and not count against the cap if they are not on the roster. That seems to be the logical answer in my mind.

Does anyone know what the NHL's policy is for suspended players eligible to move between the big club and farm team? The AHL has upheld the suspension of both players. Does that mean they cannot play again in the AHL until they have served the full suspension in the NHL or will they eligible to play in the AHL if they have served the number of games assessed by the NHL? If a player is not moved up to the parent team for a game, does the game count as having been served towards their suspension?

Answer 1

Lubers.............In order to get the suspensions over as quickly as possible, the Flyers are indeed moving both players back and forth for the 'on roster for suspension to count' reason. The salary cap is more a 'game' issue than anything else. So as they are on the 23 man roster during game days, they will always be counting against the cap.

The only requirement the NHL has with regards to suspended players is that they MUST be on the NHL roster for the suspension to be in effect. So, to answer your last question, no, if the player is NOT moved up to the parent team, the games does NOT count as having been served towards their suspension.


The AHL considers itself a league of it's own and makes it's decisions regarding suspensions. The league has always agreed to honour suspensions, and everybody has been happy with that in the past. However, in the case of Downie, the AHL levied it's own suspension.

http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/story/2007/10/02/ahl-phantoms-downie.html?ref=rss

For Downie, he's on an entry level contract, no waivers is required. For Boulerice, waivers are required so the moves with Boulerice are a lot trickier.

Answer 2

I had an idea of how to answer this from playing a wonderful game, Eastside Hockey Manager 2007. A player must be on the roster (of course not dressed) to serve the suspension. In other words, sending Downie to the AHL affiliate for 20 NHL games will not even count for 1 NHL game. It is up to the affiliate whether or not to uphold the suspension. Talks in the ECHL and AHL have occurred over the subject in the past.

According to the report from the site below, "Flyers GM Paul Holmgren told reporters Friday that the team plans to have Downie serve the NHL suspension in blocks, calling him up from time to time to serve the 20 games." The report also goes on to mention... "'He can go the American League and play,' Holmgren was quoted as saying in the Philadelphia Daily News. 'Our plan is to make this suspension go away as quickly as possible. And because of our cap situation, we're probably going to have to get creative...I've talked to the league about this,' Holmgren told local reporters. 'When we carry him on our roster, we're pushing the limit of the cap, so there is punishment to the Flyers, as well.'"

Edit: Boulerice will also serve a suspension on the Phantoms roster. It seems to be a moral issue whether or not the AHL team will let a guy play or not. See second link. Downie is also suspended in the AHL.

Answer 3

Dale Purinton was hit with a 10 games suspension for an incident in which he tried to gouge the eye of colton orr. this was during preseason. Purinton was sent down after serving only 1 game, and played 2 seasons in the AHL. he was called up on 2 different occasions to "serve" the suspension. He has still yet to serve all 10 games, and just recently was suspended again (AHL or IHL)

Answer 4

Great question Lubers, great answer SC.

I wasn't aware of how that worked either, so I was very intrigued to know. Whew, what a job being an NHL GM must be.

ADD: Yeah, SC, the AHL had a say in what to do with Downie and his suspension too, and they decided that he couldn't play for an entire month in the AHL. After that, he had the green light.

Answer 5

The way I understood it, they count against the cap if suspended. Sending them down would only reduce the impact on the cap if they had 2 way salaries, so I would assume this must be the case. Only logical explanation I can see. As for the second part, it makes sense that they would have to be on an NHL roster for a game in order for that game to count towards their suspension.
Where's LITY when you need him.

Answer 6

no longer something for the hair pull, yet nevertheless gets the a million game. BQ1: 5 video games (see my answer to different Q) BQ2: If i'm Shanahan, I provide him 15 video games. Worst much less high priced shot of the season, and that i actual HATE pass tests up severe. Asham is fortunate that he did no longer get him quickly in the throat, in view that's purely asking to interrupt somebody's trachea. besides, 15 video games because of fact there replaced into obvious reason to injure with the pass verify and for that greater shot he gave Schenn on his way down. actual disgusting reveal with the aid of Asham.

Answer 7

Thanks for asking that question.I learned something too.
I find it ironic that the suspended player can play for the AHL while serving his suspension.This is wrong.He should have to sit out all games and not play for anyone!

Answer 8

sorry don't know im not that smart.