All more plausible than the VGK conspiracy theories: Crippling anxiety, catatonic depressive state, apathy due to his recent bankruptcy (which means most of the $5M goes straight to his creditors), general ADD-type disorganization or confusion about his obligations
Yes and no. A physical is needed to confirm an injury for LTIR status, but each team is allowed to make their own determination of whether their player is fit or unfit to play to that team’s subjective standards.
Certainly there are many players on LTIR who are physically capable of performing the duties of a hockey player.