Former Arizona Coyotes general manager John Chayka suspended until 2021

The NHL has suspended former Arizona Coyotes general manager John Chayka until Dec.31, 2021, a source confirmed to ESPN.

Commissioner Gary Bettman issued his ruling on Monday and circulated a memo to all teams stating that Chayka had engaged in “conduct detrimental to the league and the game”. Bettman’s decision also said Chayka “breached his obligation to the club.”

The suspension is linked to Chayka pursuing other opportunities while under contract with the Coyotes and terminating his contract with three years remaining, a source said.

Chayka, 31, suddenly left the Coyotes in July, just before the playoffs. In a statement at the time, the team said: “The club are disappointed with their actions and timing as the Coyotes prepare to enter NHL central city of Edmonton, where the team will start. the postseason game for the first time since 2012. Chayka has chosen to leave a strong and competitive team, a dedicated staff and fans of the Arizona Coyotes, the biggest fans in the NHL. “

In her own statement in July, Chayka wrote: “I love our players, our coaches, our staff and our fans and I really wish I could be with the Edmonton team. Unfortunately, the situation created by the property made this impossible.

Sportsnet first reported Chayka’s suspension.

Sources say the suspension – which prevents him from working for any NHL club in any capacity – is unrelated to the penalties the league imposed on the Coyotes in August. The team were deprived of their 2020 second-round pick and 2021 first-round pick for violating the screening suit’s policy of performing physical tests on draft-eligible players, which took place. under the supervision of Chayka.

Chayka was hired by Arizona in 2016 at the age of 26, becoming the youngest general manager in the league.

Recently there has been a significant turnover of Coyotes’ management staff. Bill Armstrong, former assistant general manager in St. Louis, was hired to replace Chayka. Xavier Gutierrez was hired as CEO in June. And this month, the club announced that franchise legend Shane Doan will join the organization as director of hockey development.