You keep mentioning these unlucky 7 teams, but they will soon be joined by 8 more. Those other 8 teams will have played 3 to 5 more games than Detroit over this long layoff. So those guys may also be looking to keep busy in Europe.
If you are a European team you only have limited spots to bring over an "NHL guy" looking for a place to play. You also want to "market" this to your fanbase and sell some tickets. So before you rush out and sign Trevor Daley, maybe you wait a couple months and sign someone that is more marketable to your fanbase. What if a UFA like Taylor Hall wants to stay sharp? What if an international star like Mikko Koivu, at age 37, knows he has to stay active. Signing him creates way more buzz than Trevor Daley.
So I wouldn't expect a mass amount of signings until after the pool of candidates goes from 7 to 15.
- Kooleus
There’s already a steady stream at this point. For the KHL, you’re absolutely right. There’s a 20% cap on bringing in outside players. The SEL is going to want the highest caliber players they can get. There’s 4 or 5 other leagues that are pretty much open for business. While I noted that Daley may well decide to just hang them up, the leagues are going through international agents to try and get some definitive commitments. The first group eliminated will probably not be going anywhere until late July or August. That reduced layover, along with the ability for group skates a month before training camps, will significantly reduce how many of them decide to hook up with those clubs. The European camps can be a lot longer and start much earlier. Some teams work for 2 months together before their seasons start.
For prominent UFAs with guaranteed team interest, European leagues won’t be a good option. The insurance they would have to buy and injury risk are way too high. Nylander worked out with his club as an RFA with offers on the table. As a UFA, Hall will have to be really cautious. He’ll have his pick of teams, the $ may be tricky depending on what the cap does. Thanks for reading.
