NHL investigates stars for holding practice on mandatory off day
- The Dallas Stars are under investigation for potentially violating CBA rules by holding an optional practice during the mandated holiday break.
- Coach Pete DeBoer may have inadvertently confirmed the practice occurred on an off day, raising concerns among other teams and the league.
- The outcome of the investigation could lead to penalties for the Stars and highlights the importance of adhering to league regulations.
In the United States, the Dallas Stars are facing an investigation from the NHL for potentially violating the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) by holding an optional practice on December 24, Christmas Day, and December 26 of 2024, which are designated as off-days by the league. Coach Pete DeBoer unintentionally revealed that young players attended the practice, stating they showed up as they were 'supposed to.' This admission raised concerns among the league and other teams, particularly the Minnesota Wild, who were competing against the Stars following this controversial incident. According to Article 16.5 (b) of the CBA, these three days are to be strictly off-limits for any team-related practices, a stipulation designed to give players a holiday break without the pressures of team obligations or requests from coaches. The NHL's rules about these mandatory off-days are strictly enforced, making even a perception of violation particularly serious. The Dallas Stars organization has stated it is conducting an internal investigation while fully cooperating with the league's inquiry, suggesting a commitment to clarifying the circumstances surrounding the alleged practice. The situation was further complicated by reactions from other teams in the league, where questions were raised about the integrity of the Stars' actions. Minnesota Wild head coach John Hynes expressed that he respected DeBoer, suggesting he might have misspoken about the event at the rink on Thursday. Considering the strict nature of the CBA, however, the concern among players and coaching staff within the league may very well stem from a belief that teams should adhere rigidly to the prescribed rules. Previous similar incidents have resulted in hefty fines for teams that violated CBA regulations, notably the Philadelphia Flyers and the Toronto Maple Leafs, both fined $100,000 for their transgressions. Such precedents indicate that if the league determines a breach occurred, the Dallas Stars could be subject to a severe penalty. The investigation into this alleged violation remains ongoing, and the outcome may have significant implications not only for the Stars but also for the integrity of league regulations as a whole.