Quote:
Originally Posted by Canada 02
what are the rules for QO? Can it be 7 years, $9M, or can it only be 1 year term?
Is arbitration an option to buy time?
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A qualifying offer is a one-year contract offer extended to restricted free agent to retain the player's negotiating rights. For a player of Tkachuk's contract level is means the Flames must offer at least the same amount as earned last season ($9M) to retain his rights. If the Flames fail to extend the qualifying offer, Tkachuk immediately becomes an UFA. The Flames could elect to take Tkachuk to arbitration and hope the arbiter agrees with them and awards a lesser salary, but the minimum the arbiter could award is 85% of what Tkachuk earned last season, and then only for a max two-year contract. Most contracts awarded are one-year deals, and most arbitrations are settled before the arbiter has a chance to force an award. I don't see the arbitration setting as a means to buy time, but the Flames could go that route if they honestly believe that setting the Gaudreau contract situation will have influence on the Tkachuk contract.