The Sporting News reported today that the NHL senior vice-president and director of hockey operations Colin Campbell will step down as league disciplinarian after this season.
Sources told TSN that Brendan Shanahan will replace him.
The former New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers player is currently working with the NHL's point person in dealing with equipment changes. He's also working with the NHLPA and Mathieu Schneider in organizing the league's Research and Development camps.
It's been a scandal-filled year for Campbell. Tyler Dellow of mc79hockey.com exposed several e-mails between Campbell and head of NHL officiating Stephen Walkom in November where he criticizes Walkom for calls against his son, Boston Bruins left-winger Gregory Campbell. In those same e-mails, he also called Marc Savard "the biggest faker going."
Campbell also went on a tirade while talking with TSN radio host James Cybulski in April. He bristled at being questioned for not suspending Raffi Torres for his hit on Brent Seabrook.
Shanahan was no stranger to the penalty box, amassing over 2,489 penalty minutes during his 21-year career. The former player will probably oversee massive changes in the disciplinary system. Several general managers and players complained about a lack of transparency and inconsistent punishments.
Campbell had served as league disciplinarian since 1998. He recused himself from the Stanley Cup final matchup between the Vancouver Canucks and Boston Bruins, citing a conflict of interest. Campbell will continue to serve in his current role.