A few short years ago in 2020, then Arizona Coyotes GM John Chayka had his hand slapped by the National Hockey League for essentially tampering with the draft process. Chayka reportedly set up private meetings with several draft eligible players ahead of the league's official Scouting Combine, which ended up costing him a 2nd round pick in 2020 and a 1st round pick in 2021 as punishment.
Upon hearing the news that the Maple Leafs would also be meeting with prospects in Toronto following the Combine, fans began to lash out, accusing the Leafs of doing something immoral to try to gain an edge at the draft. Well, as it turns out, those fans are terribly mistaken.
According to The Hockey Writer's Peter Baracchini, the Brad Treliving and the Leafs are not crossing any lines by holding these meetings after the official Scouting Combine. It's only a problem if these meetings occur ahead of the Combine.
As a result, the Leafs will not face any punishment from the league, as they are not actually breaking any rules. Who'd have thought that a top NHL franchise might be more well-informed than a bunch of keyboard warriors from rival NHL cities?
