Pucks of a Feather
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Sunday Editorial: Former Anaheim Ducks player Nick Boynton torches NHL.

By Greg Johnson

ANAHEIM, CA - JANUARY 17: Nick Boynton #4 of the Anaheim Ducks waits on the ice during a face off against the Calgary Flames during the game on January 17, 2010 at Honda Center in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Debora Robinson/NHLI via Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA - JANUARY 17: Nick Boynton #4 of the Anaheim Ducks waits on the ice during a face off against the Calgary Flames during the game on January 17, 2010 at Honda Center in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Debora Robinson/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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Anaheim Ducks
ANAHEIM, CA: Paul Kariya #9 of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks lies on the ice after being hit by Scott Stevens #4 of the New Jersey Devils during the second period during Game Six of the 2003 NHL Stanley Cup Finals on June 7, 2003. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images/NHLI) /

In part one of a two-part series in reaction to former Anaheim Ducks player Nick Boynton’s recent flaming of the league, we’ll look at NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and his legacy.

Fans love to boo NHL commissioner Gary Bettman. But he’s actually been great for the growth of the league, especially in non-traditional hockey markets like Anaheim. But there’s an area where the boos are completely justified.

A couple of weeks ago, former Anaheim Duck defenseman Nick Boynton wrote a lengthy article in The Players’ Tribune.  In it, he spoke pretty bluntly about what really happens in the NHL.

Coaches tell players to get on the ice and fight…check. Players spend their time worrying about what will happen to them…oh yeah. Players try to hurt each other…yep. Former players suffer greatly after their careers are over…you know it.

After the deaths, DEATHS, of many of his friends, Boynton is speaking out about head injuries. It doesn’t hurt that he has suffered himself since he joined the league in 2000, and he doesn’t feel like he has anything left to lose. He decided to open up to the world.

After reading Boynton’s article, one must wonder about Gary Bettman. What responsibility does he have? Is he culpable for the injuries? Why is he in full denial that hockey causes serious long-term problems? And what should his legacy be?

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