NHL Strips Arizona Coyotes Of 2 Draft Picks

The Arizona Coyotes will forfeit two draft picks for violating the NHL’s Combine Testing Policy.

Following a hearing on Aug. 6 that included testimony from representatives of the Coyotes and the NHL, Arizona was docked a second-round pick in 2020 and a first-rounder in 2021.

Canadian Hockey League teams accused the Coyotes of putting more than 20 draft-eligible prospects through physical tests prior to NHL scouting combine, ESPN reported.

“While the Combine Testing Policy Memoranda reference a fine of ‘no less than $250,000 for each violation’ of the Policy, I exercise my discretion to impose the aforementioned discipline—which I consider to be more appropriate given the specific circumstances of this case,” said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.

“As for the Club personnel who participated in, or may have contributed to, the Club’s violation of the Policy, I have decided that no discipline shall be imposed on these individuals. While I conclude that certain Club personnel acted in a grossly negligent manner at best, which was conceded by the Club, I ultimately conclude that the record does not establish—to a standard with which I am comfortable—that those individuals engaged in intentional wrongdoing, as opposed to grossly negligent behavior.”

Arizona doesn’t have a first-round pick in this year’s draft because it traded the selection to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for Taylor Hall in December.