NHLPA Preparing to Fight Galchenyuk Contract Termination

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Joseph Agosti
July 19, 2023 (0:44)

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The NHLPA is reportedly considering filing a grievance on Alex Galchenyuk's behalf regarding his contract termination at the hands of the Arizona Coyotes.

According to ESPN's Greg Wyshynski, NHLPA leader Marty Walsh is still deciding whether the union wants to file a grievance on Galchenyuk's behalf.

Galchenyuk's contract was terminated after reports surfaced that the winger had hurled racial slurs after a drunken hit-and-run.

He was arrested on July 9th and his contract was terminated shortly afterward, his one year two-way deal made null and void.

Galchenyuk was scheduled to make $775k at the NHL level and $225k at the AHL.

Harrowing Details

The incident in question had Galchenyuk hurling racial slurs at an African-American police officer while personally threatening violence against the officer and his family.

After his contract was terminated Galchenyuk released a statement on the matter where he apologized for his behavior.

Galchenyuk is planning on entering the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program

Historical Precedent

The closest grievance on record would be the one involving the San Jose Sharks and Evander Kane. Kane had his contract terminated after a litany of personal issues, including repeatedly violating COVID protocols.

Eventually the NHLPA and Kane agreed to a $2.5 million settlement and moved on to the Edmonton Oilers.

That incident was under former NHLPA leader Donald Fehr, which brings to question whether Marty Walsh's administration will handle things differently.

As of right now no official grievance has been filed, but that could change rapidly.