https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/651...shared_article
The collective bargaining agreement affords NHL commissioner Gary Bettman considerable power to punish players for off-ice conduct deemed harmful to the league. That includes actions that don’t result in criminal convictions. Article 18-A grants Bettman the ability to expel, suspend, fine or even cancel the contracts of players following a league investigation and hearing (where the player and NHL Players’ Association are permitted to present evidence, testimony and argument in the player’s defense).