NHL Player Demoted to AHL After Sleeping Through Team Meeting

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Sky
April 1, 2023 (5:25 PM)

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Trey Fix-Wolansky's hopes of making his 14th appearance in the National Hockey League were dashed when he was sent down to the AHL's Cleveland Monsters by Columbus Blue Jackets head coach Brad Larsen. The move came as a form of punishment after the 23-year-old forward overslept and missed a team meeting, according to Larsen.

As tweeted by Aaron Portzline, "Trey Fix-Wolansky overslept and missed a team meeting, per coach Brad Larsen. He's been sent back to @monstershockey."

Fix-Wolansky's two-way contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets means that his demotion to the AHL will come with significant financial implications. While he earns $809k per year at the NHL level, his salary in the minors drops to only $70k, with the terms of the contract being pro-rated based on the number of games played at each level.

Since being drafted in the seventh round in 2018, Fix-Wolansky has struggled to make an impact in the NHL, failing to record a point in seven games this season and registering only one goal and one assist in his twelve-game career.

While the financial implications of being sent down to the AHL may hurt, it also presents Fix-Wolansky with an opportunity to develop his game and prove his worth in the minor leagues. If he can find his groove, he may earn another chance to play at the NHL level.