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.
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You might be right.
Let's compare dekeyser and gaudreau as they signed about a year apart.
DeKeyser signed with the team of his choosing at age 23.
Gaudreau signed with the team that drafted him at age 21.
Dekeyser signed a 2 x 1.3 aav ELC, which represented 1.44% of the cap at the time.
Gaudreau signed a 3 x 1.85 aav ELC, which represented 1.34% of the cap.
Both players burned a year of their deals by signing late in the season.
So already, even though cash is different because of the escalating cap, Dekeyser is making a larger share of the pie.
Had Gaudreau signed later, it would've delayed his second contract in terms of timing, but arguably the amount he would sign for in his latest contract would be significantly more than he is paid now.
I believe if the player is willing to take even more risk and sign a second contract that brings them to UFA qualification, their earning potential is even higher.
So while Gaudreau is younger and has earned more money at this point, DeKeyser has done well for himself considering the spread in career earnings at this point is less than 2 million and DeKeyser isn't close to being in Gaudreau's league. DeKeyser is also doing it in his hometown where he wanted to play.
These College UFAs aren't getting something for free. They are giving up opportunity cost for more control.
Personally, I like that teams have to actually court their players and give them reasons to sign other than just owning their rights.