Matt Karash: Canes prospect camp: The Sergey Tolchinsky blog

I REALLY want(ed) the Rangers to sign him when he was at prospect camp trying out. I am not sure what will happen now and I haven't heard anything aside from this stating he is at the Canes camp now. I heard he was really impressive in Rangers camp too. Since he is just trying out can the Rangers simple turn around and say ok we want you here is a contract even though he's at Canes camp? Really hope they turn around and grab him.

I REALLY want(ed) the Rangers to sign him when he was at prospect camp trying out. I am not sure what will happen now and I haven't heard anything aside from this stating he is at the Canes camp now. I heard he was really impressive in Rangers camp too. Since he is just trying out can the Rangers simple turn around and say ok we want you here is a contract even though he's at Canes camp? Really hope they turn around and grab him.
- mrhattrick27

Where is a contract expert?

I'm not sure the Rangers (or the Canes) can sign him. As an unsigned 18-year-old juniors player, I don't think he is a free agent. If my understanding is right, he is off limits until the draft next time around. It is only when players age out of juniors unsigned that the become free agents.

I am NOT a CBA/contract expert. Can anyone confirm that this is correct?

Where is a contract expert?

I'm not sure the Rangers (or the Canes) can sign him. As an unsigned 18-year-old juniors player, I don't think he is a free agent. If my understanding is right, he is off limits until the draft next time around. It is only when players age out of juniors unsigned that the become free agents.

I am NOT a CBA/contract expert. Can anyone confirm that this is correct?
- CarolinaMatt63

I believe they can sign him to a contract and then he goes back to juniors otherwise they wouldn't waste time having him in camp. If he doesn't get a contract he is just going to re-apply for the draft. I just don't know if right now if the Canes have any "first shot" at him or if any team can just sign him since he's a FA anyway.

Any player at least 22 years of age who has not been selected in the NHL Draft can sign with any team as a free agent. Most are College FA, or aged out Junior players.

Since he is 18yo...he can't sign a NHL contract without being drafted.

He was invited to Rangers / Canes camp so they could get a free look at him. He will be again eligible for next year's NHL Draft. With the glowing reports...he should be drafted next year.

Any player at least 22 years of age who has not been selected in the NHL Draft can sign with any team as a free agent. Most are College FA, or aged out Junior players.

Since he is 18yo...he can't sign a NHL contract without being drafted.

He was invited to Rangers / Canes camp so they could get a free look at him. He will be again eligible for next year's NHL Draft. With the glowing reports...he should be drafted next year.


- rocheccw

I'm not an expert either, but i think he can be signed! This discussion took place on another site, and someone there said that due to his having played juniors here in N.A., and not having been picked in the draft, that he was a free agent and could sign with anyone! Of course he could still play in Juniors either way.

I'm not an expert either, but i think he can be signed! This discussion took place on another site, and someone there said that due to his having played juniors here in N.A., and not having been picked in the draft, that he was a free agent and could sign with anyone! Of course he could still play in Juniors either way.
- randycane

I tweeted this very same question to Michael Smith, the web producer for the Canes. He said he's free for anyone to sign, but he has already committed to play with the Rangers prospects at the tournament coming up in a few months (Traverse City, maybe?).

I tweeted this very same question to Michael Smith, the web producer for the Canes. He said he's free for anyone to sign, but he has already committed to play with the Rangers prospects at the tournament coming up in a few months (Traverse City, maybe?).
- Gossler1

Yes, Traverse City is the Tourney but didn't know he was committed to playing on our prospect team. I hope Rangers snag him. Kid's got talent and is worth the flier.

Any player at least 22 years of age who has not been selected in the NHL Draft can sign with any team as a free agent. Most are College FA, or aged out Junior players.

Since he is 18yo...he can't sign a NHL contract without being drafted.

He was invited to Rangers / Canes camp so they could get a free look at him. He will be again eligible for next year's NHL Draft. With the glowing reports...he should be drafted next year.


- rocheccw

I think he can be signed. Andrei Makarov signed with Buffalo at 19 after going undrafted and he was like Tolchinsky a CHL import.

Shocked that Cam Ward did not get an invite to Team Canada Camp (and Holtby did!?)

I think he can be signed. Andrei Makarov signed with Buffalo at 19 after going undrafted and he was like Tolchinsky a CHL import.
- AdamFrench

So I was wrong I was going on some old info. Looks like he can be sign by the two teams that he attend prospect camp NYR, & the Canes...he is currently schedule to play for the NYR at a rookie tournament.