DonskoiDonscored
Registered User
- Oct 12, 2013
- 18,641
- 9
Couldn't a CHL player do exactly the same thing if he didn't sign after completing his overage season?
No.
CHLers drafted at 18 (with three years left of eligibility in the league) would re-enter at 20. If they get drafted by another team they don't like and choose not to sign with them, they have very few options in terms of professional hockey. They would have to sign an AHL deal or go to the CIS for a year or two.
So it's not worth it for CHL players ready for the NHL because they'd be sitting, waiting to become a UFA, in the AHL instead of playing in the NHL. They're losing out on a ton of money.
And it's not worth it for CHL players not yet ready for the NHL, because they wouldn't have a guaranteed three year contract with signing bonuses. If they have a career ending injury or flame out, they don't have nearly as much money as they would if they signed an NHL deal. Beggars can't be choosers, in that instance.
Most NCAA players don't play in the NCAA the year after they're drafted, so by the time they're ready they can exercise the "Mike Reilly" or "Matt Benning" loophole.