Quote:
Originally Posted by Fire
Nothing stops a junior player from doing the same thing is there? They could not sign after two years and re-enter the draft and then not sign after another two years and become an UFA. Or am I mistaken?
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That is correct. The big difference is that there isn't really anywhere for a junior player to play at a high level beyond the age of 20. He could go to Europe for a year or two, but otherwise, his options are limited.
Also, once the first two years are up, the drafting team is going to try to move him to a team he's willing to sign with (like the Flames did with Erixon), so that they can get some return for the lost draft pick.
With the College kids, they can string a team along and promise to sign after their four years are up, but there's nothing the team can do to ensure it because the player loses his NCAA eligibility if he signs a contract.