NHL threatens massive penalties for teams caught tampering.

The National Hockey League appears to be acutely aware of an ongoing problem within its league and as a result they have threatened to impose some truly massive penalties on those caught breaking the rules in the future.

Last week, the league sent out a memo to its member teams that warned both teams and individuals that they would face harsh punishments if they were caught violating the league's tampering rules. Fans have known for some time now that players and agents have found ways around the league's tampering rules as evidenced by the fact that every big time free agent seems to already have a deal in place when free agency opens on July 1st, but that may finally be about to change.

On Saturday, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman broke down just how bad things could get for teams or players caught breaking the rules moving forward.

"They warned about not only players but team's employees like coaches and managers and other people who worked in the front office," said Friedman on Hockey Night in Canada.

It sounds like the wave of signings that occurred at the opening of free agency at noon on July 1st of this year played a big role in the league cracking down on the tampering rules.

"They didn't like how July 1st went," said Friedman.

So what kind of penalties are we talking about? As I said they are truly massive so here is a breakdown of what both teams and individuals could be looking at if caught:

Teams:
A fine of up to $5 million.
Termination of any contracts signed.
Forfeiture of draft picks.
Awarding draft picks and/or cash to the "offended" club.

Individuals:
A fine of up to $1 million.
Suspension or expulsion from the NHL.

What is so interesting about the decision from the league to send out a memo is the fact that it is effectively serving as a warning to teams and individuals that the punishments will be imposed if they are caught. You just know the NHL will be looking to set an example after such a warning and you have to wonder if any players or agents will be bold enough to continue operating under the current status quo in spite of the warning.

I definitely wouldn't want to be the first team or individual caught violating this rule given the stern warning the league has issued and the stiff penalties that it is prepared to impose.