NHLPA Investigating Kyle Dubas’ Relationship With Agent

The NHLPA confirmed to Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli today that it’s conducting a review of the relationship between former Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas and his agent, Chris Armstrong of Wasserman Sports. The review is focused on whether there has been a violation of the Certified Agent regulations that govern agent activity.

The NHLPA Certified Agent regulations explicitly prohibit agents from representing or providing services to any officer or employee of an NHL team. Currently, Armstrong is not an NHL-certified agent and, therefore, not subject to discipline by the NHLPA.

However, this investigation seeks to determine whether agents working for the same agency but in a different division or arm of the firm are also prohibited from representing hockey executives on the other side of the table. Wasserman Sports represents approximately 10 percent of the NHL’s total player pool, including high-profile stars such as Toronto’s own Auston Matthews.

Per Seravalli, several NHL-certified agents have expressed their belief that Dubas’ relationship with Armstrong is a clear violation of the regulations and have called for an investigation by the NHLPA.

Jeff Jackson, Wasserman’s hockey executive vice president, stated to Seravalli that he was unaware of any pending review by the NHLPA but expressed willingness to address any questions the association may have regarding the matter.

Dubas, a former certified player agent himself, would have been well aware of the regulations governing agents prior to entering into a relationship with Armstrong. Now a free agent after being let go by the Maple Leafs ahead of his contract expiring this summer, he’s been heavily linked to the Pittsburgh Penguins general manager opening in recent days.