Gary Bettman once again makes a fool of himself and favors the Golden Knights
It has become absurd, even completely ridiculous, to observe the preferential treatment that Gary Bettman can grant to the Vegas Golden Knights.
Since the team entered the league, it has been a source of pride for the commissioner, and while it cannot be said that they won a Stanley Cup thanks to him, they have received some preferential treatment.
The repeated returns of Mark Stone just as the playoffs begin are a good example. It is true that the salary cap does not apply in the playoffs, but teams must show that things are not usually arranged.
For the Golden Knights, it feels like whenever there is an issue with their salary cap, they receive special permission. It's frustrating.
On Thursday, we learned that special permission had been granted for their goaltender Robin Lehner. He has one year left on his contract, but he will not count against the team's salary cap, even though he will still be paid.
When you think about the Canadiens who are stuck with Carey Price's $10.5 million salary for the third straight season without any loopholes, it's frustrating.
Kent Hughes must maneuver with extreme caution in the summer to avoid putting the former goaltender's contract on LTIR and losing notable advantages.
I do not know the reasons behind the decision to once again allow the Golden Knights to circumvent the rules, but Gary Bettman is losing face and credibility, for what little he has left.
