ARLINGTON, Va. — The Washington Capitals on Friday positioned Brendan Leipsic on unconditional waivers to terminate his contract after he made disparaging feedback about ladies and teammates in a personal social media chat.
In a dialog involving his brother and Florida Panthers minor leaguer Jack Rodewald, Leipsic commented on the bodily appearances of Vancouver ahead Tanner Pearson’s spouse and Edmonton captain Connor McDavid’s girlfriend. He additionally known as Capitals linemates Garnet Hathaway and Nick Dowd losers.
Screenshots of the dialog have been leaked Wednesday, and a workforce spokesman stated the matter can be dealt with internally. The NHL known as it “inexcusable conduct” and stated it could handle the matter with the Capitals and Panthers.
“The Nationwide Hockey League strongly condemns the misogynistic and reprehensible remarks made by gamers Brendan Leipsic and Jack Rodewald in a personal group chat that has surfaced on social media,” the league stated in a press release. “There isn’t any place in our league for such statements, attitudes and habits, regardless of the discussion board.”
Leipsic apologized, saying a buddy’s Instagram account was hacked and taking duty for his feedback.
“I totally acknowledge how inappropriate and offensive these feedback are and sincerely apologize to everybody for my actions,” Leipsic stated. “I’m dedicated to studying from this and turning into a greater particular person by taking time to find out how one can transfer ahead in in an accountable, significant approach. I’m really sorry.”
The 25-year-old was in his first season with Washington, his sixth NHL group since being drafted in 2012. He had three objectives and eight assists in 61 video games.
However Leipsic additionally hadn’t scored in 35 video games and have become the odd man out when the Capitals acquired winger Ilya Kovalchuk on the commerce deadline. His one-year contract value $700,000 was set to run out on the finish of this season.
Agent Craig Oster didn’t instantly reply to a message looking for remark whether or not Leipsic would file a grievance over the contract termination by the NHL Gamers’ Affiliation.
The College of Manitoba Bisons kicked Leipsic’s brother Jeremy off the workforce Thursday within the aftermath of the dialog. Rodewald performed within the American Hockey League this season.