[Vulcan]

Originally Posted by EddyBeers

I guess, but they would have to wait 4 years. ie. Gaudreau is the Flames property until he is 22 (he would be 22 on June 1, 2015). So I guess the guy could be ready for the NHL and then say that he will wait an additional year or two to become a free agent, but I have never really heard of a player doing that. Even if he did, the Flames could just trade him to a team he is willing to sign with, like Erixon who only was willing to sign with one team, and still get something for him. I honestly have never heard of a college player continuing to play college hockey rather than sign a pro contract just to ensure they have free agent status. It is not like they can get more money, they are still restrained by the ELC clause in the CBA.

It happens.

At the end of the season, four years after he was drafted, Wheeler had yet to come to a contract agreement with the Coyotes. Given the option, Wheeler elected to become an unrestricted free agent despite a maximum entry-level contract offer from the club.[4]