Carolina Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky made headlines this week following an exchange with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman during the league’s annual GM meetings.
Now, NHL insider Michael Russo has shed light on what actually happened behind closed doors, and it centers on one of the league’s most controversial rules.
What Happened Between Eric Tulsky and Gary Bettman Over NHL Rule 48
According to Russo, the discussion arose during conversations about Rule 48, which governs illegal checks to the head. “I think during a conversation with the league on Rule 48, which is headshots, I think [Tulsky], you know, took issue with the belief out there that there could be unavoidable headshots,” Russo explained.
Rule 48 has been a long-debated issue across the NHL. While it’s meant to eliminate dangerous hits where the head is the main point of contact, how it’s applied often sparks controversy, especially when there’s a noticeable size difference between players.
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Russo noted that around the league, there’s a belief that when a much taller player hits a smaller opponent, like Mats Zuccarello or Nick Suzuki, some level of head contact can be difficult to avoid.
“I think [Tulsky] just took issue and felt like the standard is slipping a little bit here, and Gary Bettman, you know, spouted back at him. I don’t think it was like a screaming match.”
Despite the tension, Russo made it clear the exchange remained controlled and professional. “Eric is so level-headed and measured in everything that he says… I don’t think there was any yelling back and forth,” he said.
“Eric [Tulsky] took issue with it, and felt like the standard [for head contact] is slipping”@RussoHockey recaps the GM meetings, including an argument between #CarolinaCulture GM Eric Tulsky & Gary Bettman + @JoeBpXp on #ALLCAPS Cole Hutson’s debut & more. @JLazzy23 |… pic.twitter.com/hIRKdQuI6g
— Daily Faceoff (@DailyFaceoff) March 19, 2026
“I think Gary basically said to him, we all, and the allusion, you know, he was alluding that it was (Hurricanes owner) Tom Dundon. He basically said, we all know why you’re bringing this up, so that was it,” Russo said.
The comment was believed to be a reference to Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon, who has been vocal about player safety and stricter enforcement of headshot rules.
Dundon’s frustration reportedly stems from a past incident involving Tyler Pitlick and Jalen Chatfield earlier in the season. Pitlick was ejected for the hit but did not receive a suspension, reigniting concerns about consistency in discipline.
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Tulsky didn’t stop at headshots. He also raised questions about the evolving standard for goalie interference and video review, seeking more clarity from the league on how those calls are being handled.
While not heated, the exchange highlighted growing concerns about consistency in NHL rule enforcement and player safety.
