I haven't read the entire thread, but what I really hate is the typical lawyer BS in Feaster's statement. He feels the only way to save face is to pretend that there is a well thought out alternative interpretation based on the new exception for a team's reserve list and RFAs, and that all this was discussed with the agent. This is a flat out lie as proven by Pat Morris acknowledging he had not even considered the issue, much less discussed it with Feaster.
I honestly think Feaster knew the rule, but was not aware that ROR had played in the KHL after Jan 19. This was a failure and potentially brutal oversight. Should be fired for this [REASON #1]. He should also be fired for embarrassing the organization even further by spinning a web that makes it look like nobody understands the rules [REASON#2].
There are no mitigating factors for Reason #2. There are some mitigating factors for Reason #1:
- Chris Johnston said that even NHL office was unaware that ROR had played in the KHL after Jan 19.
- I assume that Colorado was not aware of ROR's status. Otherwise they would have made that public, to prevent anyone from bidding up the price.
- Perhaps the NHL, if they were aware, would have done the same (either publicly or privately) since this would be an opportunity to prevent inflation by simply clarifying a player's status.
Anyways, the entire BS statement is embarassing and I think Feaster is on extremely thin ice. I would fire him and spare the organization any further embarassment.
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