This wasn't Kelly's only connection with the Leafs, in 2016 he was suspended for 10 games for delivering a check to the head of then Maple Leafs prospect Andreas Johnsson during the Calder Cup playoffs. Kelly at the time was a member of the New Jersey Devils.
In a decision that is surprising to many, the NHL has officially promoted Kelly. This promotion has landed Kelly a full-time NHL officiating job beginning this season.
Gary Bettman continues to prove that he simply just doesn't get it or even worse, just doesn't care. It will be interesting to see how Kelly's promotion pans out and if it ends up being an embarrassment for the league.
POLL | ||
18 SEPTEMBRE | 85 ANSWERS NHL promotes linesman who shoved a player last season Should Dan Kelly have been promoted? | ||
Yes, he deserves it | 18 | 21.2 % |
No, he shouldn't have been promoted | 53 | 62.4 % |
I don't care about who officials are | 14 | 16.5 % |
List of polls |