The offseason is no holiday for National Hockey League general managers.
Once the Stanley Cup is awarded in June, teams have just a couple of weeks to get their scouting lists in order for the draft. The draft-weekend frenzy typically bleeds right into the opening of free agency on July 1.
Summer development camps give coaching staffs the opportunity to get up close and personal with prospects, then arbitration hearings kick off in late July.
With all those pieces in play, signing restricted free agents isn't the biggest priority.
As long as a Group 2 free agent without arbitration rights receives his qualifying offer by the deadline before July 1, a team retains his rights. If he signs an offer sheet with another club—a rare occurrence in today's NHL—the original team retains the right to match the contract or receive compensation in exchange. Otherwise, his rights are bound to his team, without much leverage.
As a rule, as long as a Group 2 player signs on the dotted line by the time training camp kicks off, both sides skate away with smiles on their faces.
Nicholas Goss of NESN posted the extensi ...
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Article written by Carol Schram
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