Quote:
Originally Posted by Iowa_Flames_Fan
Think of it this way: if your interpretation is correct, then being an RFA is of absolutely no value to O'Reilly--because teams literally cannot sign him. In that context, Colorado can offer him league minimum and he has no choice but to either sign it or stay in the KHL--he has no leverage at all.
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You are absolutely correct, him playing those 2 games in the KHL were a massive mistake that his agent should have advised him to avoid playing. He lost almost all leverage that comes with being the potential target of an offersheet. I say "almost all" because you can never discount irrational operators in the league like Kevin Lowe, Charles Wang, Paul Holmgren or, after this move, Jay Feaster. Relying on crazy managers seems like a strong move though in today's NHL. O'Reilly made out like a bandit.
Likewise, the Avalanche don't look particularly good because they could have done exactly what you said and let him rot after publicizing his massive error.
I don't think it clearly follows the player in the slightest in the case of a free agent signing.
If his rights are traded, he is still waiver exempt, but this is a SIGNING, and I'd like you to specifically address that.
The Flames signed a Free Agent player that was not on their reserve or RFA list who played in Europe after the January 19th deadline.