The recent trade involving Chris Tanev and the Toronto Maple Leafs has sparked discussions about the NHL’s Long-Term Injured Reserve (LTIR) rules.

In a recent mailbag post, The Athletic’s Eric Duhatschek was asked whether the NHL might reconsider using LTIR, particularly for older players unlikely to complete their contracts. Many speculate that Tanev will eventually retire on LTIR, allowing the Leafs to circumvent the salary cap. This has raised questions about the fairness and legality of such practices.

While the debate over LTIR rules is undoubtedly valid, focusing solely on the Tanev deal misses the broader context. Teams have a long history of exploiting this loophole, and addressing the issue would require a comprehensive review of the rules and their applications.

No official rules regarding using LTIR concerning the salary cap exist, so the Maple Leafs have not violated any regulations yet. However, if it is found that LTIR was discussed during their contract negotiations, the team could face penalties.

For now, we will have to wait and see how the situation with Chris Tanev unfolds and whether he is placed on LTIR. Gary Bettman will likely address this issue during the subsequent collective bargaining sessions.