Quote:
Originally Posted by MarkGio
Very scriptive and imaginative. Stone doesn't have to sign with Vegas to have a backdoor deal with the Flames.
Let's say several teams complained that Stone was unusually unreasonable in his contract negotiations, despite being a free agent (not the most saught after one either) in need of a contract, only to sign with the Flames for less money or less term that what was offered elsewhere. Given we know the Flames intend to sign him, there is circumstancial evidence that suggests the Flames circumvented the draft.
Now since when did the NHL need proof for anything they did? Did they let Kovalchuk prove he wouldn't retire at 45 yrs old? No, it was circumstantial. Did they prove Wideman wasn't cognitively responsible for his actions last year? This isnt a court of law, it's the court of the NHL. And any suspension, dirty play, and John Scott ballot will tell you the NHL doesn't give a #### about what's beyond a reasonable doubt.
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You are making too big of a leap. What would constitute "unreasonable in his contract demands"? Russell this past off-season apparently had many suitors, but his 'unreasonable contract demands' made him a very late signing at a dollar figure/term that was much less than what was rumored. It happens all the time.
The league will not bat an eye if Stone is still a UFA until after the expansion draft, and then quickly re-signs. They would investigate if it was a Thornton or similar high-profile player, but even then, it is something that is difficult to prove without one of the parties involved admitting to it.
Also, if Stone is indeed selected by Vegas, then that is ok too. I like the trade and it gives the Flames better depth, but it isn't a huge loss to see him leave either. This was a solid move to help shore-up the defence without overspending or having to worry about the expansion draft.