Quote:
Originally Posted by JiriHrdina
Another point - having a back up plan in terms of an education isn't a bad thing. People should watch Broke (30 for 30) - far too few athletes have a Plan B or a plan for what happens after hockey.
Johnny G is no guarantee to be an NHLer - in fact some would say his size still makes him a long shot. I would say he's a sure-fire bet to be able to make a living as a pro player for a number of years - but he isn't going to set himself up for life making AHL dollars.
An education gives him options down the road for life after hockey.
Absolutely nothing wrong with that.
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What I never understand is why people feel top tier athletes can't get an education after they finish playing sports (or in the offseason).
An entry level contract will provide an athlete with the flexibility and money to be able to pick up his education after his playing career is over or during the summer.
Plenty of athletes finish their degrees in the off-season in other sports, Vince Carter comes to mind specifically due to the backlash of him attending the ceremony to get his degree during the playoffs.
If you are a player that may never get the opportunity in the NHL and don't have teams offering you max ELC's then I recommend staying the four years and making sure that you get that education.
But if you are a young player that has a team offering you 900k on a ELC I say you should take that opportunity, nothing prohibits you from going back and finishing your degree if your career does not go as planned.