NHL investigating Arizona Coyotes for allegedly 'fitness testing' draft-eligible prospects, per report

The NHL is reportedly investigating the Arizona Coyotes organization for alleged recruiting violations regarding how the club may handle its pre-draft scouting process. According to TSN's Darren Dreger, the investgation concerns the Coyotes allegedly putting draft-eligible Canadian Junior League prospects through fitness testing ahead of the 2019 NHL draft. Dreger initially tweeted out his report of the investigation's existence Thursday before expanding on it in TSN's "Insider Trading" segment. Dreger said the three leagues that make up the CHL — the Ontario Hockey League, Western Hockey League and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League — have sent emails to their respective teams asking them to report any contact between them and the Coyotes organization. While he cited only unnamed sources, Dreger said that multiple CHL teams have alleged contact with Arizona regarding physical testing of their players. The Athletic's Craig Morgan reported that the Coyotes do not believe they've broken any rules and simply asked prospects questions about their eating habits, supplement use and workout regimens during interviews with draft-eligible prospects before the NHL draft combine. Morgan's reporting also expands the investigation to the United States' top junior league, the USHL; the team reportedly tested numerous players invited to 2019's combine from that league as well. MORE:  Buffalo Sabres fan unleashes wild tirade against franchise owner on radio show Arizona Coyotes: “We are aware of the reports. We have discussed the matter with the NHL and we will have no further comment at this time.” https://t.co/fMdlErMKn6 — Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) January 31, 2020 The NHL holds its own combine prior to each year's draft in which eligible prospects work out and have opportunities to interview with interested teams in efforts to distinguish themselves from the pack. According to Dreger, the league very clearly states that teams may not conduct any sort of physical tests before the combine.  Morgan reported that the league grew concerned with the participation of a strength and conditioning consultant, Tommy Powers, in these interviews. Additionally, the Coyotes reportedly requested that draft prospects attend these interviews wearing a T-shirt and shorts so team staff could "eyeball" their bodies. Morgan's sources contended that the Coyotes did not take any measurements or request any physical tests during these interviews. If the league determines the Coyotes are guilty of this violation, the franchise could face fines of $250,000 or more per incident. On Feb. 8, Dreger reported that there are at least 20 instances of the team fitness testing draft-eligible players.