Quote:
Originally Posted by Textcritic
If anything, one would think the NHLPA would be most interested in ensuring that players rights remain with their drafting team, since this is the best course to signing their ELCs earlier, thus reaching free agency sooner and driving more salaries upward.
For example, Gaudreau signed his ELC in 2014 with the incentive that he would burn a full year of it in a single game, and became a RFA after just two full seasons in 2016. Had he opted to play four years at BC and chosen his destination he would have not have been eligible to sign a second contract until last summer—a full two years behind where he is now.
|
Perhaps this makes sense for the relatively small group of star players looking to sign record deals. But the NHLPA represents the entire league of players...when star players earn more with a salary cap in place, it just means the average and borderline players make closer to league minimum.
The NHLPA should be concerned with increasing league revenue, as that increases the pot for salaries. I'm not sure these rare instances affect things from the player side much, so I doubt the NHLPA views it as a major issue. They know teams/fans hate it though, so I'm sure they'll want to get something out of giving it up.