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Arizona Coyotes forfeit first-round pick, second-round pick for scouting violations

The Arizona Coyotes are forfeiting their second-round NHL draft pick in 2020 and their first-round pick in 2021 in sanctions imposed upon the team for violating the NHL's Combine Testing Policy.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman announced the penalties Wednesday.

According to a statement from the NHL, Bettman convened a hearing on the matter August 6 that included testimony from representatives of the Coyotes and the NHL.

The Coyotes acknowledged that they had violated the policy by conducting physical testing on 2020 draft-eligible players prior to the Combine at the hearing, the release said.

The NHL has the policy to ensure competitive fairness among teams in evaluating and drafting prospects.