Quote:
Originally Posted by edslunch
"The reason why Hayes did not want to sign with the team that drafted him is because at 22 years old, he wants a guaranteed spot on an NHL roster and the Blackhawks, being a Stanley Cup contender for the last several of years now, just do not have room for him on their roster for this upcoming season."
If Hayes and his agent insist on a guaranteed roster spot I hope he is not only told "No!", but that the Flames are not interested in players with that attitude. I could see Treliving standing up in the middle of the meeting, declaring it over and walking out.
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Obviously I don't know the details... but my guess at what happened is this -
The Hawks were right up against the contract limit for the past few years and Hayes got hurt and didn't really put up numbers so they didn't bother offering a contract. He broke out this year and the Hawks made an offer. I'm not sure if the Hawks had a contract left at the end of year to get Hayes into a game to burn the first year (like the Flames did with Gaudreau/Arnold) and they also didn't play on the last Sunday like the Flames did.
So signing with the Hawks offered no benefit over waiting 4 months and being able to pick his team.