NHL commissioner Gary Bettman says league is trying to avoid \u0022distractions\u0022 created by players wearing themed jerseys during warmups.
“I’ve suggested that it would be appropriate for clubs not to change their jerseys in warmups because it has become a distraction and taking away from the fact that our clubs in some form or another host nights in honour of various groups or causes,” Bettman said. “And we would rather them continue to get the appropriate attention they deserve and not be a distraction.”
Along the way, the aforementioned players resisted, forced to explain their stances. The Chicago Blackhawks and Minnesota Wild attempted to sidestep any controversy altogether by altering their original plans. In the case of the Blackhawks, they cited safety for Russian players — including former Senators defenceman Nikita Zaitsev — because of a Russian law that makes it illegal to promote same-sex relationships.
But for an entire league to skate away from those internal controversies by watering down what was once a league-wide initiative, it’s not a good look.
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