from Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic,

Donald Fehr’s time as head of the NHL Players’ Association could be coming to an end before next season.

That much seems more and more evident regardless of whether you’re talking to his detractors or his supporters.

Fehr’s critics were hoping the independent review of the PA’s response to Kyle Beach’s sexual assault would lead to his immediate downfall. Beach’s allegations against former Blackhawks video coach Brad Aldrich led to the team making major changes to its front office after its own investigation was conducted.

Instead, the NHLPA report released Friday by the law firm Cozen O’Connor attempts to clear Fehr, the executive director of the NHLPA, from any individual wrongdoing.

Although I would strongly argue, despite what the report says, that there absolutely was a systemic failure.

But the report may actually pave the way for Fehr now to produce a succession plan that will lead to new NHLPA leadership, which is something even his supporters very much want to see happen as soon as possible.

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