From what I remember, the Oilers had to give Comrie a very bonus laden ELC sinche he had that loophole (college player going to the WHL). So when Mike earned all his bonuses, the Oilers felt that he was overpaid in his ELC compared to his 2nd contract (which the Oilers ended up blowing up with the Vanek offer sheet anyway), so they wanted Mike to cut them a cheque for the money back
It probably woudlnt' have been allowed by Bettman or Goodenow but it just goes to show Lowe's arrogance.
I wonder if the Oilers already had Smid with that 1 rounder, who they would've gotten from the Ducks instead as part of the Pronger trade.
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