NHL furious' with TBD start dates on entry-level contracts

Sources have told The Athletic's Michael Russo that the NHL has not been happy with a handful of teams who have signed players to entry-level contracts (ELC) with “to be determined” start dates.

Normally, a team could sign players to their “reserve list” on an ELC and have that player join the team for the remainder of its campaign. We saw this last year with Colorado Avalanche defenceman Cale Makar after his season with the University of Massachusetts wrapped up.

However, this season is not normal due to the fact the league has been suspended since Mar. 12 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of that, the NHL made a rule stating that any contract signed at this time cannot include a 2019-20 start date.

A handful of teams and players were able to find a loophole in the rule, agreeing to terms with TBD start dates, which has frustrated the league. As of now, they have not allowed any of those contracts to be submitted to its Central Registry with the TBD start date, Russo noted.

MUST READ

15 minutes ago  |  By Vincent Carbonneau Canadiens fans are stunned after terrible pregame news involving Jakub Dobes

51 minutes ago  |  By Vincent Carbonneau John Chayka's first major move just leaked and it's turning heads everywhere

1 hour ago  |  By Vincent Carbonneau The Evander Kane controversy just escalated in a major way

1 hour ago  |  By Vincent Carbonneau Sabres fans are extremely worried after latest Game 6 development

2 hours ago  |  By Vincent Carbonneau A massive behind-the-scenes conflict in Vancouver has just been exposed by Frank Seravalli

3 hours ago  |  By Vincent Carbonneau Elliotte Friedman just revealed Edmonton's surprising coaching plans

4 hours ago  |  By Skyler Walker Sabres make a surprise decision in net ahead of crucial game against the Canadiens

4 hours ago  |  By Skyler Walker The Sabres left the Zamboni door open for a reason, and Tage Thompson answered perfectly

MORE STORIES