Stealing a sentiment echoed by the hit Broadway musical Hamilton, what I would've given to be in the room where it happened on Wednesday in Florida. All 32 general managers and several high-ranking league officials, including NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, are meeting in Florida this week, discussing rule changes and more as the league prepares to expand its schedule.
It should come as no surprise that the commissioner doesn't take too kindly to being challenged on certain topics. His staunch adamance on the playoff seeding format remains unwavering, even if it means that two of the three best teams in the league, all of whom are in the same division, will be eliminated before the Western Conference Finals.
However, according to The Athletic's Michael Russo and Pierre LeBrun, things got a little testier when discussing challenges and the Department of Player Safety. This is where the Carolina Hurricanes' General Manager, Eric Tulsky, joins the conversation. According to Russo's report, Bettman didn't appreciate Tulsky broaching a sensitive subject.
Tulsky voiced his concern about how the standard around the league for head shots has slipped, to which Bettman is said to have taken a jab at the team's owner, Tom Dundon, for making him bring the subject up. Obviously, we don't have the complete context of what was said in the room, but it appears that Tulsky might've touched a nerve.
Russo continues by stating that Tulsky was also very active during other conversations on Wednesday, including the ongoing debate about goalie interference reviews, which Ducks' GM Pat Verbeek led. His team was central in an incident over the weekend, during which a goal was upheld despite clear goalie interference on the play.
With his being outspoken in front of the commissioner, it's probably safe to say that Eric Tulsky didn't make a new friend in Gary Bettman, but it's nice to see the man in charge being challenged. As a Hurricanes fan, it's also nice to see our General Manager playing a central part in these talks. He clearly cares about the direction of the game, and he wants the Canes to be a part of it.