According to Seravalli, the NHLPA is investigating Kyle Dubas and his relationship to his agent Chris Armstrong of Wasserman Sports. Wasserman Sports reportedly represents around 10% of all NHL players including Connor McDavid, Roman Josi and, of course Auston Matthews. They also represent other Leafs and prospects such as Sam Lafferty, William Villeneuve and Mikko Kokkonen.
The investigation stems from a long-standing rule with NHLPA certified agents that prevents them from representing coaches, management or other type of employee to an NHL club. Dubas' agent, Chris Armstrong, is not currently an NHLPA certified agent so he is not subject to discipline by the NHLPA and the long-standing rule does not apply to him as he mainly represents golf pros like Tony Finau.
Per Seravalli's report Dubas is a former certified player agent and would have had complete understanding and knowledge of the regulations governing agents prior to entering into a relationship with Armstrong. Additionally, Wasserman Hockey Executive Vice President Jeff Jackson said to Daily Faceoff, "I don't have any direct knowledge of [a review from the NHLPA], but I'm sure that any or all of the certified agents in our hockey department would be happy to answer any questions the PA may have on this matter."
It will be interesting to see what comes of the investigation, but it is highly unlikely that anything does given Dubas' agent is not an NHLPA certified agent. Now, if Dubas takes the job in Pittsburgh and happens to land Auston Matthews in one fashion or another, that might be a different story.
POLL | ||
MAI 25 | 858 ANSWERS Kyle Dubas being investigated by NHLPA for potential conflict of interest Are concerned about potential collusion between Kyle Dubas and Auston Matthews? | ||
Yes | 384 | 44.8 % |
No | 474 | 55.2 % |
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