Quote:
Originally Posted by Fuzz
How does it work if Neal is just fat and lazy and doesn't want to get in shape, so they don't play him at all? Are the Oilers stuck with that, or do they have some sort of out?
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Bump; I don't think anyone actually answered this question.
If Neal is actually physically unfit because of his own doing, and reported to camp as such, the Oilers would have the right to suspend him without pay until he was back in shape. It's a standard clause in a player's contract that they have to keep themselves in shape and if they don't—unless it's as a result of an injury incurred while playing hockey—the team has the right to suspend them.
I scarcely remember this clause ever being invoked. The last time I can remember would have been 2005, after the lockout; Keith Tkachuk reported to Blues camp (
at least) 25 lbs overweight, and the Blues actually went as far as suspending him.