Former Maple Leafs Defenseman Travis Dermott Becomes First Player to Defy NHL's Pride-Tape Ban

Before the 2023-24 NHL season began, the league sent out a memo clarifying what players can and cannot do as part of theme celebrations and that included a ban on the use of rainbow-colored stick tape for Pride nights. According to Front Office Sports, the Arizona Coyotes player ordered several rolls of the tape once the ban came to light.

It's not clear if Dermott will be fined disciplined for defying the league ban. According to the Athletic, the NHL is said to be "reviewing it in due course."

Many players and hockey figures have spoken out against the ban. Flyers goaltender Scott Laughton has stated he would use the tape despite the ban. 

On his podcast, TSN's Chris Johnston reported that longtime hockey executive Brian Burke offered to pay any fine issue to a player who wore the tape.

The Maple Leafs selected Dermott in the second round (34th overall) in the 2015 NHL Draft and the defenseman spent five seasons in Toronto where he accumulated 12 goals and 40 assists in 251 games.

On March 20, 20222, the Leafs traded Dermott to the Vancouver Canucks for a third-round draft pick. On July 12, the Coyotes signed Dermott to a one-year, two-way deal.

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