WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 23: Marty Walsh is sworn in as U.S. Secretary of Labor as his partner Lorrie Higgins looks on during a ceremonial swearing-in at the Ceremonial Office of the Vice President at Eisenhower Executive Office Building of the White House March 23, 2021 in Washington, DC. The two-term Boston mayor was confirmed by the Senate with a vote of 68-29. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Do not adjust your eyes, Bruins fans. You read the headline correctly. Former Boston Mayor Marty Walsh is about to become a major figure in the National Hockey League.

Hehhh? It seems so odd for Boston, but it’s reportedly true: Walsh is expected to take over as the new executive director of the NHL Players Association, according to Frank Seravelli at Daily Faceoff. Walsh is currently the U.S. Secretary of Labor under President Joe Biden, but is expected to transition to his new role as head of the NHLPA in the coming days after Tuesday night’s State of the Union address.

• Sports Hub Underground: Listen to the Newest Episode

  (Click here to subscribe to the Sports Hub Underground podcast.)

• Most people in Massachusetts, of course, remember Walsh best for his seven-year tenure as the Mayor of the City of Boston and the successor to Tom Menino. Those who closely followed Mass. politics during Walsh’s career (I decidedly have not) may have some … thoughts … on how he’s governed.

  But Walsh has spent his entire political career in and around labor unions. He joined the Laborers’ International Union of North America (commonly known as just the “Laborers’ Union”) Local 223 at age 21, and served as its president even after being elected to the Mass. House of Representatives in 1997, up until becoming mayor of Boston in 2014.

  According to Seravelli, Walsh will continue to live in Boston, despite the NHLPA being headquartered in Toronto. He still has his house in Dorchester. He’s expected to make around $3 million a year as executive director.

• 

  BOSTON, MA – SEPTEMBER 6: US Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh throws out the first pitch before a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park on September 6, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Rich Gagnon/Getty Images)

• Walsh certainly knows his way around a labor dispute, and it’s notable that he doesn’t have a law background like his predecessor, Donald Fehr. That signals a change of direction for the way the players association is run. But what does Walsh know about hockey or the NHL or the pro sports business? Does that matter?

  It’ll be interesting to see what kind of impact he has on the NHLPA, positive or negative. I assume that based on people’s political leanings, predictions will be mixed and incredibly polarized.

  Click here for complete New England Patriots coverage at 985TheSportsHub.com.

  Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @realmattdolloff. Check out all of Matt’s content here.

Get The 98.5 The Sports Hub Newsletter Delivered To Your Inbox

Stay up to date with the latest Boston sports news and analysis, local events, exclusive contests, and more.

Email *

Subscribe

By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.