Gary Bettman recent decision proves his bias for certain teams

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Josh Tupper
October 7, 2023 (11:33)

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The NHL and the CHL have a long standing agreement in place, which defines when players are eligible to play in the world's top junior League. This agreement fully defines eligibility requirements and provides are guide for where players can be assigned after being drafted. Like every agreement this deal contains clauses which allow the NHL to petition the CHL for an exemption.

Recently it was reported that Gary Bettman worked hard to grant the Seattle Kraken and Shane Wright a special exemption, which was ultimately granted. This special exemption showed that there was wiggle room and prompted other teams to seek exemptions as well.

According to Aaron Portzline, it's been made clear to the Blue Jackets that neither Jordan Dumais nor Denton Mateychuk will receive an exemption from the NHL/CHL agreement.

If they don't make the #CBJ roster, they cannot play in the AHL (will be sent back to juniors)

Jordan Dumais and Denton Mateychuck have had exceptional camps for the Columbus Blue Jackets proving that they're too good for the CHL, but when the Blue Jackets applied for an exemption so that they could play in the AHL this season, they were denied.

This is the latest in a string of denied exemptions that also includes Matt Savoie. These denials occured after the Seattle Kraken were granted their exemption for Shane Wright. This continues to prove that Bettman is willing to make exemptions for the teams he prefers and he continues to make exceptions for expansion teams.

At this point Bettman is barely hiding his bias.