NHL suspending ex-Arizona Coyotes GM John Chayka for rest of year

Jan. 25 (UPI) -- The NHL is suspending former Arizona Coyotes general manager John Chayka through the remainder of 2021.

League sources told ESPN, Sportsnet and TSN that NHL commissioner Gary Bettman made the ruling Monday and sent a memo to all teams. In the memo, Bettman said Chayka engaged in "conduct detrimental to the league and game" and "breached his obligation to the club."

The one-year suspension is related to Chayka pursuing other opportunities while under contract with the Coyotes and terminating his contract with three years left on it, according to reports. The ban will prevent him from working for any NHL club.

The 31-year-old Chayka abruptly departed the Coyotes in July, just before Arizona competed in the playoffs.

In a statement on July 26, the Coyotes said: "The Club is disappointed in his actions and his timing as the Coyotes prepare to enter the NHL's hub city of Edmonton, where the team will begin postseason play for the first time since 2012. Chayka has chosen to quit on a strong and competitive team, a dedicated staff, and the Arizona Coyotes fans, the greatest fans in the NHL."

Chayka later released his own statement, saying he left the team due to a "situation created by ownership."

The Coyotes hired Chayka in 2016 at age 26, making him the league's youngest general manager.