danielpalfredsson
youtube dot com /watch?v=CdqMZ_s7Y6k
- Aug 14, 2013
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How is that the case when we see CHL prospects play in the AHL playoffs after never having played a regular season game?
They are not signed to NHL contracts and sign contracts directly with the AHL teams.
For example, Josh Norris could join Belleville for the playoffs if he decides to go pro. He'd sign an AHL ATO with Belleville for the 2018-19 season (usually in conjunction with signing a future NHL ELC that would not take effect until the 2019-20 season rolls over).
I'm not sure if players who are on ELCs that were assigned to the CHL (and their ELCs have slid) can then go and join an AHL team despite being signed to an NHL contract, but I know in cases like Tage Thompson (NCAA) a few years back, the player whose NHL contract won't kick in until the next season signs an AHL contract for the remainder of the current season.
Players who are signed to NHL contracts (like Tkachuk) need to be assigned to the AHL prior to a certain date (I think it coincides with the trade deadline, but I am not entirely sure exactly).
I think in a way, Tkachuk is probably getting some good experience by having to deal with the adversity of Stone, Duchene, and Dzingel being moved at the deadline, and being expected to lead in those circumstances.
Still, I would have liked to see him in the AHL for a playoff run in some form, even if he was only sent down to be eligible for the playoffs, we use one of our call ups to bring him right back up after the deadline passes, and then send him back down if/when we make it. (Assuming that is within the rules.)