Those moves pre-2004 lockout weren't about negotiating rights, they were about high dollar teams moving pieces to low dollar teams. If the Rangers lost Brian Leetch as a UFA they wouldn't get compensation (in the from of a draft pick) because they were above a certain salary threshold. The Oilers however were below that. Trade happened June of 2003, Oilers received a compensation 2nd round pick from the NHL for the 2004 draft, Rangers received a 2004 4th from the Oilers.
Someone figured out this loop hole at some point, but with a new CBA around the corner it was a short window. Rangers also traded Fleury to the Sharks for example.
If you're looking for Flames content they traded a 2002 3rd to Toronto for Curtis Jospeh and received a 2003 2nd from the NHL (later traded to San Jose).
Last edited by Rando; 06-12-2019 at 06:18 PM.
|