from David Shoalts of the Globe and Mail,
Joffrey Lupul on Sunday accused the Toronto Maple Leafs on social media of cheating with the NHL's long-term injury list but quickly deleted his post.
It was the first time the Maple Leafs' use of the long-term injury reserve (LTIR) was subject to any accusations, although there have been suspicions around the league for the last two seasons about some of their moves. Those moves – putting veteran players who were said to have failed their physical exams on the list, thereby taking their salaries off the NHL salary cap – came to be known as being sent to Robidas Island, named for defenceman Stephane Robidas, exiled to the list after training camp in 2015....
But Lupul, 33, claimed on his verified @jlupul account in an Instagram post on Sunday night he is healthy and ready to play: "I'm ready.. Just awaiting the call.." When last week's failed physical was mentioned by his followers, Lupul posted, "Haha failed physical. They cheat, everyone lets them." Lupul deleted the latter post after a stream of comments from followers.
Lupul can file a grievance with the NHL over the long-term injury decision through the NHL Players' Association, generally within 60 days of the perceived dispute. No one from the NHLPA could be immediately reached for comment.
A Maple Leafs spokesman said Monday morning the team will not comment on the matter.
added 12:00pm, Glenn Healy (audio) on the situation is below...
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