NHL fines Maple Leafs $100K for travel-related CBA violation

NHL insider Chris Johnston clarified the situation, which is bound to have fans criticizing the league's decision. According to Johnston, the Leafs flew to St. Louis at 10:18 p.m. on Dec. 26, arriving shortly before 11 p.m. 

The Leafs technically violated the CBA, but it's hard to argue with the team's logic. By flying in the night before Tuesday's road game, the Leafs had the opportunity for more rest and a chance to hold a morning skate after three days away from the ice. Rules are rules, but it's hard to expect a team's best effort following a three-day layoff and a game-day flight. 

The NHL wasn't done picking on the Leafs. Along with the $100K fine to the team, head coach Sheldon Keefe was fined $25,000 for "demeaning conduct" directed at officials during Tuesday night's 5-4 win over the Blues. 

Keefe went berserk after a high-stick on Zach Aston-Reese went uncalled. 

Replays of the high stick appear to vindicate Keefe's reaction as Aston-Reese walked away from the incident with a bloody mouth. 

"Watching Zach Aston-Reese getting sewn up on the table after the game is a little hard to take," Keefe told reporters. "But we're happy with the two points."