I don't think there is any grounds to step in. Buffalo is pretty bulletproof on the issue. None of them have mentioned tanking, and Nolan has publicly said to the players to play hard, plus he's not making coaching moves that are suspect. But the kicker is that Neuvirth IS a UFA, and not only is he a UFA but he's one who was playing well. All Buffalo has to do is argue that he's playing so well that he's playing himself into a position where he's just going to go to the highest bidder, and Buffalo can argue they have little chance at actually signing. Plus I'd argue that they could argue that signing him to a contract that he's earning would hurt them long term by not being able to have the ability to sign their young players long term. Thus trade Neuvirth for a pick (and he's a backup on the Islanders, they wouldn't pay much for him).
Fans can be pissed about it all they want, but Buffalo has done all the right moves to properly be bad and not get in trouble for it. There is little the NHL could do.
Thanks. Still urks me bigtime.
Any chance they maybe trade their 2nd 1st on draft day for a guy like Bernier? They need a goalie.