Quote:
Originally Posted by Hatter
I would agree with you if we were discussing Toews coming out of the NCAA, but I think it's bad precedent when average players like Hayes pull stunts like these.
I understand it's beneficial to the player to pick his spot, but it makes the draft and other NCAA players look bad, potentially hurting draft position for future kids who take that route.
I also realize it is a small percentage of NCAA players who refuse to sign, but it's not outside of the realm of possibility to see more kids deciding on this option.
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Fair, however, whatever Hayes' motivations and convictions are they are strong enough to turn his back on an NHL team and carry that "reputation" (whatever that would be) during his career. Should he just be left to wallow in professional hockey limbo if he doesn't want to sign with a team that drafted him 3-4 years ago? I don't have a solution, but it's such a small percentage of players, I don't know if it merits corrective action by the NHL/NHLPA.
Assuming there isn't tampering on behalf of the player or his agent leading up to August 15th of his senior year, it's somewhat risky that the player won't get what he thinks he deserves going this route.