The NHL and NHLPA have agreed on the framework for a potential expansion draft, according to TSN’s Gary Lawless.
Last month, we found out what each team will be able to protect if ever the NHL adds expansion franchises. Bill Daly made it clear that each existing team would only lose one player per expansion team coming into the league. More specifically, teams would be allowed to protect seven forwards, three defensemen, and a goalie or eight skaters (any position).
Although this agreement between the league and PA doesn’t guarantee expansion will happen, it does ensure that one major step is out of the way if ever the league decided to add a team or two.
The agreement between the two sides also includes an expansion scenario for players with no-trade or no-movement clauses in their contracts.
Here’s an excerpt from Lawless’ story:
The NHL has hundreds of steps to go through before expansion can potentially become a reality and getting an agreement with the NHLPA was viewed as near top of the list. The executive committee would not have recommended expansion to the NHL’s board of governors for the purpose of a vote without an agreement in place with the NHLPA, and in particular, a resolution on how existing no-trade and no-move clauses will be handled.
Las Vegas and Quebec City have been mentioned as two potential destinations for expansion franchises in the near future. As Lawless mentions in his story, NHL general managers were told to expect a decision on expansion for 2017-18 by the NHL Entry Draft in June.
NHL, NHLPA have agreed to expansion draft rules, concpet. Doesn't mean expansion happens but major hurdle cleared, including no move clause
— gary lawless (@garylawless) April 29, 2016
NHL executive committee still has to make decision on expansion, but the couldn't recommend without NHLPA agreeing to expansion draft rules
— gary lawless (@garylawless) April 29, 2016
NHL has 100s of things to resolve before executive committee could recommend expansion. NHLPA agreement on expansion draft was a major piece
— gary lawless (@garylawless) April 29, 2016
Protection of 7 forwards, 3 D and goalie or 8 skaters and goalie remain in rules. Exemption for 2nd yr pro as well. https://t.co/bPjbXUdHnx
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) April 29, 2016
Related:
--NHL insists ‘no final decisions’ have been made on expansion.
--Daly: Teams can only lose one player per expansion team
--‘Roster chaos': Let’s ponder some possible expansion draft scenarios