When John Chayka resigned as general manager of the Coyotes in July, reports emerged that the ugly divorce stemmed from him lying about having a job interview with the Devils.
Now Chayka will be out of any NHL job for at least a year.
The NHL on Monday suspended Chayka through the end of 2021 for conduct detrimental to the league, according to multiple reports. The league ruled he was terminated properly “after overtly trying to force his way out of his contract,” The Athletic reported.
Chayka, 31, had three years left on his contract in July when he suddenly resigned, just as the Coyotes were set to restart play in the Edmonton postseason bubble. The Coyotes blasted him on the way out with a searing statement that accused him of quitting on the team.
“John Chayka has quit as the General Manager and President of Hockey Operations of the Arizona Coyotes. 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 post-season play for the first time since 2012,” the team said in a statement. “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.”
According to ESPN, the former GM’s relationship with new owner Alex Meruelo had soured when Chayka lied about having a job interview with the Devils, who then became uninterested in hiring him.
Chayka, meanwhile, pinned his resignation on Coyotes ownership.
“I love our players, coaches, staff and fans and I very much wish I could be with the team in Edmonton. Sadly, the situation created by ownership made that an impossibility,” Chayka said in a statement at the time. “That’s all I intend to say on this matter for now. A fuller, more detailed explanation may be necessary in the near future.”