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Gary Bettman Caught Giving Expansion Team Preferential Treatment

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Dawson McKenzie
September 13, 2023  (3:51 PM)
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Shane Wright was recently given an exemption to be able to play in the AHL this year if he doesn't make the Kraken's NHL roster. An exemption is required due to the agreement between the CHL and the NHL, which forces players to go back down to their Junior Clubs if they are of age and don't make their respective NHL Roster.

However, it seems like Gary Bettman and the NHL aren't applying this rule consistently, as the Buffalo Sabres won't be getting the same treatment.

Matt Savoie Exception Status

Matt Savoie is one of Buffalo's top prospects. After suffering a shoulder injury weeks after being drafted by the Sabres, Savoie was able to rehab and play in the WHL last year, before moving up to play with Rochester in the AHL for the playoffs.

There's no question that Savoie is dominant in the WHL. He managed to score 226 points between the regular season and playoffs the past two seasons with the Winnipeg Ice. He has been playing in the WHL since he was an emergency call-up in Midget.

It's not Wright

Savoie and Wright are essentially the same player, in terms of age and games played in Junior. Wright is four days younger than Savoie and has played 68 fewer junior games.

On the surface, it looks like Gary Bettman and the NHL are giving Shane Wright and their new expansion team a leg up by allowing Wright to develop in the AHL.

Do you think this is fair?

As seen on Buffalo News - "Sabres' Savoie unlikely to receive an exemption to start season in Rochester"

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SEPTEMBRE 13   |   141 ANSWERS
Gary Bettman Caught Giving Expansion Team Preferential Treatment

Should Savoie be granted an exemption, on the basis that Wright did?

Yes12387.2 %
No1812.8 %
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