Quote:
Originally Posted by neo45
Disagree. The Harvard loophole is a huge concern. The very first question directed at Brad needs to be whether they got specific assurance he would sign before four years
Kerfoot, Vesey, Fox, Marino. It’s not that some Harvard players choose to go free agency... it’s that MOST Harvard players go this route
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Let's put this in perspective. All of these players were later round picks who needed substantial time to develop.
Kerfoot - 5th round 150th overall 2012 (NJD)
Vesey - 3rd round 66th overall 2012 (NSh)
Marino - 6th round 164 overall 2015 (Edm)
Fox - 3rd round 66th overall 2016 (Cgy)
Most kids who are smart enough to get in to Harvard also know there is risk delaying their NHL careers so they can finish their degree and sign with team of their choice. If a kid is good enough to earn a contract in college years 1-3 almost all are going to jump on the opportunity to make millions of dollars.
First rounders who played 4 years in NCAA then signed with other teams are limited to:
Blake Wheeler - 5th overall 2004, Phoenix
Kevin Hayes - 24th overall 2010, Chicago
Am I missing anyone for first rounders? Fox blowing up definitely hurt but I don't think it should mean you avoid Harvard bound players especially when you have a special goal scorer like Coronato available. Pretty happy to pick the top ranked goal scoring RW available in the draft!