New York Rangers Fined $250K for Statement on George Parros

The New York Rangers just received a fine that is 50 times bigger than than the fine Tom Wilson received for initiating the utter chaos that has unfolded between the New York Rangers and Washington Capitals over the past 48 hours. Wilson was fined $5K for punching a prone Pavel Buchnevich. The Rangers were fined $250K for calling out the NHL, specifically the Department of Player Safety and calling for the removal of that department, George Parros.

Related: New York Rangers Fire GM Jeff Gorton and Pres. John Davidson, Hire Drury

New York Rangers Fined $250,000. https://t.co/W70Meln7Lr pic.twitter.com/R0MvLhGQVq

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) May 6, 2021

The statement notes that “Public comments of the nature issued by the Rangers that were person in nature and demeaning of a League executive will not be tolerated.” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman added:

“While we don’t expect our Clubs to agree with every decision rendered by the Department of Player Safety, the extent to which the Rangers expressed their disagreement was unacceptable. It is terribly unfair to question George Parros’ professionalism and dedication to his role and the Department of Player Safety.”

The statement doesn’t say that it’s unfair to question how good at this job Parros is, but we assume that would be off limits as well.

Considering the players, the media and the fans have no idea what’s a suspendable play in the NHL these days speaks to the level of inconsistency that comes out of rulings made by the department. At the same time, fines like this are not uncommon. As Pierre LeBrun points out, “Sharks got fined $100k in 2013 for their comments on the Raffi Torres suspension.” That said, LeBrun adds, “But obviously the Rangers’ statement was a little, ahem, more direct!”

Calling for Someone to Be Fired Is What Did It

It was learned on Wednesday that Rangers owner James Dolan was responsible for the tweet sent to the NHL and asking for Parros to be fired. It was also learned that John Davidson and Jeff Gorton tried to distance themselves from that statement and didn’t learn of it until after it had been sent out.

Speculation is that Dolan asked John Davidson to fire Gorton over the way this Rangers team has been built. When Davidson refused, both men were fired. We assume Dolan will take issue with having to pay this fine, but isn’t likely to make another statement on the matter.

Next; Mark Messier Hints He Should Be Running the New York Rangers