Quote:
Originally Posted by SuperMatt18
This was my idea.
IMO it's such an easy solution. The rule is there to protect players so that a team doesn't hold their rights forever if they don't offer them a contract.
But in the situation where the team wants to sign you, and if they are willing to give you a max ELC, then you should retain their rights.
At that point it's not like another team can offer you more money, you're getting the max contract, so no reason why you shouldn't be signing with the team that drafted you.
Even if the player still refuses to sign, then this would be a more fair scenario from a negotiating aspect. The Flames/Hurricanes would have no longer had to rush in negotiations due to the impending UFA status being a barrier. Other teams would have to negotiate in good faith and provide fair value in return to trade for a top prospect.
Should be the same thing with a junior player re-entering the draft after two seasons if they don't sign (I'm surprised we don't see this more actually), as long as a team offers the player a Max ELC contract they should retain their rights. Think of it as like a qualifying offer for drafted players.
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So, the solution is that a team could keep a players rights forever as long as they offer a max contract?
I think the NHL intended that all players, whether junior, college or European, could not have their rights held in perpetuity by any team. You assume teams will always deal in good faith. We know that is not always the case.
It's basically to prevent players from being black balled in the NHL by teams with a grudge.
If a player wants to wait the 4 years, he becomes free to deal with any team. There is certainly financial incentive for any player to sign before that time is up.