This situation shouldn't be allowed to exist however, but the CBA permits it. There should be some minimum standard that a team must meet in order to sign a draft pick so the draft pick cannot simply refuse to sign until the last moment because his dad is secretly negotiating with another team. Foul play but a big win for the Rangers.
This kind of situation is not good for the NHL and struggling teams as it defeats the purpose of an ordered draft with higher picks going to weaker teams. Players could always just refuse to sign for arbitrary reasons while outsiders are potentially tampering with the rights to negotiate.
Where would Pittsburg or the Lightning be today if their 1st rounders like Crosby, Malkin, Stampkos, etc. had arbitrarily refused to sign? There should be a minimum standard (salary, conditions, etc.) that teams only have to reach and a player has no choice but sign, but the CBA doesn't work that way.
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