Nice to watch these kids use their leverage to have some input on their career path. As an added bonus, it causes a bunch of theoretical adults to toss fits and tantrums all over cyberspace and that really never gets old.

He can live in total comfort, anonymity, and have a great life while playing with a great young team with outstanding ownership. He fell into a great situation.
- Only_A_Ladd

Yep kicking it on the sand on the Bal peninsula hooking up with biscuits from Tangerine tech and wearing flip flops to work…. That is niiiccceeeee…

Simple solution for the entire NHL: if you’re afraid these guys and their agents are gonna choose not to play, don’t draft him. These players have some power, at potentially the sacrifice of big contracts and playing time. Can’t stand what they’re doing, but they have that right. It’s just all part of the equation.

At least Michkov (and decades ago, Jagr) let teams know going in to the draft.

[quote=Levit8]

Getting taxed by the city to live and play there may have something to do with it.

He can live in total comfort, anonymity, and have a great life while playing with a great young team with outstanding ownership. He fell into a great situation.
- Only_A_Ladd

and get half of his check taken in taxes.

Most guys in NCAA have a good life. They dont want to sign a contract until they know they are going to the NHL instead of the AHL.

Guys get no say where they get drafted. At minimum, guys should be able to voluntarily decide to enter the draft instead of automatically getting included.

Most guys in NCAA have a good life. They dont want to sign a contract until they know they are going to the NHL instead of the AHL.

Guys get no say where they get drafted. At minimum, guys should be able to voluntarily decide to enter the draft instead of automatically getting included.
- SuperHenderson13

Yeah, the lack of draft entry consent is utterly insane honestly. NFL has required draft eligibility consent for many decades so not sure why NHL doesn't. Guessing that is something that harkens back to when Montreal effectively ruled over the league and set every standard to favor them. Which then just carried over to the NHL at large after.

And wanting to live California does?

Niners first round pick found out what the California experience is.
- WhiskeyMan


The same as living in Philly?

Philly hockey players are not forced to live in Philadelphia, which does have some upscale neighborhoods, but like any major city, avoidable ones for sure. The team mostly lives just over the bridge in South Jersey, which is a beautiful area with many townships containing middle, upper middle class neighborhoods, low crime and short driving distance to both the practice & game facilities. It is also an hour away from all the major shore points, an area where they can explore boating activities and/or purchase first class properties on the beach. The area also is close to beautiful shore points in Delaware & Maryland, and only a 2+ hour drive to North Jersey or New York.
I think the Gauthier situation wasn't about the environment, but the timing of when he would be on the roster, who's decision that was, and where he was needed in the lineup. McGroanity wanted to break the lineup sooner then what Winnepeg had planned, and that is where we are. Who is in control? If more of this sort of thing starts happening it will have an impact on drafting decisions down the road.

So I guess the rumours of Draisaitl negotiations going badly were fake news. I said all along...he had a busy summer travelling, getting engaged, attending McDavids wedding, but that he would sign an 8 year deal when he rolls into town before training camp. He arrived Friday. Deal was finalized 4 days later. McDavids 8 year deal will happen the same way next summer.