Quote:
Originally Posted by jg13
I'm confused instead of taking a prospect like Kulak or Shinkaruk they select an unsigned Derek Engelland who they could have signed on July 1st anyways?
It still is possible that he doesn't work out a deal with them by July 1st and resigns with the flames.. correct?
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Same reasoning behind why teams trade for pending UFAs - they want that exclusive negotiating window.
Just speculating, but if Vegas is willing to do this then they (1) want Engelland and (2) legitimately feared the Flames would re-sign him after this expansion draft, but before the UFA period begins. The Flames are now unable to negotiate with Engelland until July 1, which gives Vegas that exclusive window to get him to sign.
As far as losing Engelland goes, he went from being a total joke signing three years ago to a guy who earned every penny of his contract. That's damned impressive, and I'm a little sad to see him go.