NHL: League to eliminate controversial executive compensation policy

PEBBLE BEACH, CALIF.— Draft-pick compensation for teams hiring coaches and executives under contract will disappear from the NHL at the start of the New Year.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman told the board of governors Tuesday he’d like to scrap the controversial executive compensation policy that had been in effect since Jan. 1 and said there was no objection to that.

For the past 11-plus months, any team hiring a coach or executive from another team had to surrender either a second- or third-round draft pick, depending on the time of year.

Five third-round picks and two second-round picks have been given up so far under the policy, and Bettman said those selections won’t be given back.

The Edmonton Oilers were the biggest losers of the policy, having to send a second-round pick to the Boston Bruins for general manager Peter Chiarelli and a third-round pick to the San Jose Sharks for coach Todd McLellan.

The Maple Leafs gave up thirdround picks to the Red Wings and Devils for coach Mike Babcock and GM Lou Lamoriello, respectively.