Brad Treliving Exploits NHL Loophole Ahead Of Matt Murray's Return
GM Brad Treliving is known for using different methods to get past the NHL's rules and he has another plan in store when it comes to his goaltending situation.
Given that GM's in the NHL need to maximize every dollar, roster space, and potential of all their players, there are still ways the NHL tries to make their life difficult. So many rules and regulations have made it almost impossible to make moves without breaking some type of conduct.
But with that bevy of rules and regulations means that there is an option to exploit certain wording and loopholes in order to get things done. Brad Treliving can make a huge change with his goaltending even when the NHL tells him he can't.
Brad Treliving Burns Through NHL Roster Freeze
It turns out that when the NHL says "freeze"; Brad Treliving turns up the heat. It's not the first time that he's used the NHL rules against them in order to bypass salary and roster restrictions.
This latest endeavor has him being able to send Dennis Hildeby down to the AHL while bringing up Matt Murray even though the NHL Roster Freeze is in full effect.
The rules state that from Dec. 19 until Dec. 28, "all players on an NHL active roster, injured reserve, or with non-roster and injured non-roster status with respect to waivers, trades and loans, subject to the exceptions provided for in CBA Article 16.5 (d)."
The flurry of trades and moves in the last week was a final ditch effort for many teams to get their ducks in a row before the New Year. For Treliving, it's dealing with Anthony Stolarz's injury situation.
CBA Article 16.5 (d) states:
loaned during the roster freeze period and a player who was recalled
after December 11 may be loaned through 11:59 p.m. local time on
December 23.
Provided such player is not required to be placed on
waivers during the roster freeze period in order to effectuate such loan."
Since Dennis Hildeby was called up as an emergency because of the injury to Stolarz, he fulfills the criteria of being loaned back and fits the timeframe.
It's a shrewd bit of business for Treliving and gives him the opportunity to make some vital moves without worrying about any restrictions holding him back. It's a move that shows why he's been a GM for so long and why he's so well respected.
It's a good thing the Maple Leafs have him heading their front office, as these types of business moves are crucial for the success of a team and often go under the radar.
Matt Murray will be a welcome addition to the Maple Leafs, just like Dennis Hildeby will with the Marlies once again; all thanks to the brilliant work of Brad Treliving.
