**NHL Official Statement – Response to Replay Demands**
The National Hockey League acknowledges the recent concerns raised by Toronto Maple Leafs supporters following the dismissal of five referees, including Francois St. Laurent, for their involvement in an unprecedented bribery scandal. Integrity is the cornerstone of our sport, and we are committed to upholding the highest standards of fairness and transparency.
While the misconduct of certain officials is deeply troubling and under full investigation, the league maintains that the results of past games, including the Ottawa Senators vs. Toronto Maple Leafs matchup, will stand. The NHL does not have a precedent for game replays due to officiating controversies, and no conclusive evidence has emerged to suggest the outcome of that specific game was directly manipulated to alter the result.
That said, we are taking significant steps to restore public trust, including enhanced oversight, third-party reviews, and the immediate suspension of all officials under investigation. We understand the frustration and disappointment among Maple Leafs fans, and we assure all stakeholders that we are committed to ensuring such a breach of ethics never happens again.
The NHL will continue to prioritize accountability and transparency as we move forward from this regrettable chapter in league
history.
