Many NHL employees think the lottery was rigged, says Elliotte Friedman

Fans don’t seem to be the only ones who think this way. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman revealed on his 32 Thoughts podcast that many NHL employees also think the lottery is rigged.

“I was shocked. I can’t tell you how many people around the league think it’s rigged. And these are friends I consider very intelligent!” – Elliotte Friedman

We’re talking about players and executives throughout the NHL. General managers could be among them.

Even if some league employees react this way, Friedman still doesn’t think the lottery is fixed. He was one of the analysts who hosted the lottery and confirmed that he didn’t know the results at all, that he saw the results live, at the same time as everyone else.

I have to admit that I’m on Friedman’s side on this one. This lottery was run by an independent firm. Why risk destroying its reputation? To please Gary Bettman? That would be very surprising.

As Friedman explains, it’s surprising to see, but there probably won’t be an investigation. People are angry right now, but they’ll soon move on. But it’s shocking to see that for once, it’s not just the fans who are crying conspiracy.

I’d be willing to bet that many frustrated employees are part of the Anaheim Ducks organization. They were so close to getting Connor Bedard, but it all went away in the blink of an eye. I’d be very frustrated if I were them.

In a gust

– Things are hopping in Trois-Rivières.

– Another derby between Toronto and Montreal we like.

– Darnell Nurse is suspended one game.

– I’m convinced he’ll do a good job.

– Now that’s funny!