The Athletic’s Joe Smith posted a profile of new NHLPA executive director Marty Walsh, who is attempting to restore a level of trust in his union:
In his introductory news conference in late March, Walsh vowed to bring a “different” style of leadership. And it feels like Walsh is going with a more personal approach. He’s starting his fall tour of team visits next week, heading to Las Vegas for the Golden Knights’ season opener. He plans to meet with every player in the NHL by Christmas. He went to the BioSteel camp in Halifax this summer and the European NHL Media Tour in Stockholm. He’s checked in with many players by phone.
And Walsh is giving them all his personal cell phone number.
The NHL and NHLPA jointly established and launched a hotline, operated by an independent third-party provider, that enables players, staff and anyone else in the NHL ecosystem to report unethical behavior and misconduct. This is separate from the line established by the long-standing NHL/NHLPA player assistance program.
But it was telling that Babcock’s behavior was sparked by a whistleblowing player going to “Spittin’ Chiclets,” not the league. Walsh hopes to change that, saying he’s already heard concerns from players on other issues.
“It’s about building relationships,” Walsh said. “I’m working with some players who have come up to me with other things. They didn’t go through the hotline or a podcast; it came directly to me or (Hainsey). Let’s be honest: I’m still fairly early in this journey. So the players know me directly or by hearsay or through somebody. By Christmas, I’m going to have met every single player in the NHL at least once — and a lot of them will be multiple times. After our fall tour, there’s no reason for a player to not call us directly.
“That’s what we’re going to do here.”
Continued (paywall)
