Looks like they once again could add a player the way they did Hayes and Vesey, but this kid was a fifth round pick, not first like Hayes and Vesey. He did have a great season last year and was a Hobey Baker finalist. Link - ( New Window )
He already came to US for college and was a teammate of Vesey. I'm thinking the Rangers have a good shot. Maybe this was their plan all along at Center?
wooing by a few teams. I think he has meet with the Canucks and a few other teams .The Canuck fans are so beat down they don't expect to land him . If they did land him they know that he would immediately blow out his knee
It would come down to Van/NYR. Didn't see SJ being a finalist. Apparently he's very close with Vesey, that plus the Rangers have a need at C. My brother in law is a huge devils fan and thinks Kerfoot would be a very solid depth center. Would be a nice haul for the blueshirts to get 3 young Cs from the draft and FA.
is convincing "would be free agents" not to sign with their drafted team and sign with the Rangers.
it does make up for trading away picks because these guys are usually more NHL ready after college, NCAA isn't what it once was (a refuge for Canadians who didn't make the NHL to further their college careers), it's really from a hockey standpoint a farm system, a lightweight version of what the NFL has with the NCAA (since most NHL prospects still don't come from the NCAA).
I think Will Butcher is the biggest FA difference maker, if the Rangers land him and Kerfoot (and I haven't heard the Rangers mentioned at all with Butcher yet) I think you could see some grumbling by the other teams and some rule changes about draftees and free agency like maybe sitting a year after college/when their rights expire if they don't sign with their original draft team.
is it really that big of a problem? Aren't the players incurring enough risk by taking this approach?
It really is such a joke. How about the league stops acting so damn socialist on the salary cap, allows it to rise as it has for other sports, and then they can have this rule change. At least in the other sports big market teams despite a cap or luxury tax can spend more than teams no one cares about.
Not hockey - in this sport the Rangers, Leafs and Habs are actually at a competitive disadvantage to Florida, Texas, Vegas, etc teams due to state/city income taxes and higher cost of living.
is it really that big of a problem? Aren't the players incurring enough risk by taking this approach?
Many NCAA players have been drafted the ones who don't sign with their drafted team are not the rule it's the exception.
but my point is if the Rangers would sign Butcher (way bigger addition than Kerfoot IMO) they would have signed almost all the high profile UFA college grads (Hayes, Vesey, Butcher and Kerfoot)
If the NHL had a rule that if your draft rights are due to expire (I believe it's something like 30 days after separating from the school) and you don't sign with your original draft team you cannot sign with anyone else for a year (unless your draft team releases you) then I think you'd see even less of it.
I don't think it's a good thing for the sport even if it was the Canadiens signing these kids. It gives 22/23 year old kids freedom NHL veterans don't get for years.
in these situations has to wait FOUR years to gain this freedom, right? That's a long time and a lot of risk.
If you want to tell me the player should have to go back into the draft (like in MLB) I might buy that. But giving the original team an extra year of control after the player has already risked his pro career for four years is excessive IMO.
I don't think it's a good thing for the sport even if it was the Canadiens signing these kids. It gives 22/23 year old kids freedom NHL veterans don't get for years.
Meh, freedom in terms of geography, but they make less money out of it this way than they otherwise would.
Baseball - guys get drafted and then go back in the draft the following year all the time
And lets also not forget teams often draft these guys later than they otherwise would have because they're a known risk to stay in school and never sign with them. Then they complain when the player follows through with it. And nothing more ridiculous than Buffalo fans crying over Vesey when Nashville, if any team, is the one that lost out on that one. Buffalo acquired him dirt cheap because of the risk... then played victim.
in these situations has to wait FOUR years to gain this freedom, right? That's a long time and a lot of risk.
If you want to tell me the player should have to go back into the draft (like in MLB) I might buy that. But giving the original team an extra year of control after the player has already risked his pro career for four years is excessive IMO.
Agree, but the player made the choice.
They can't re-enter the draft after 4 years of college per current NHL rules (if they're US or Canadian), anyone over 20 is a UFA (assuming their draft rights expired or they weren't drafted).
IOW, if you're over 20 today you cannot be in the NHL draft unless you're European.
I don't think it's a good thing for the sport even if it was the Canadiens signing these kids. It gives 22/23 year old kids freedom NHL veterans don't get for years.
Meh, freedom in terms of geography, but they make less money out of it this way than they otherwise would.
Baseball - guys get drafted and then go back in the draft the following year all the time
And lets also not forget teams often draft these guys later than they otherwise would have because they're a known risk to stay in school and never sign with them. Then they complain when the player follows through with it. And nothing more ridiculous than Buffalo fans crying over Vesey when Nashville, if any team, is the one that lost out on that one. Buffalo acquired him dirt cheap because of the risk... then played victim.
Less money at the same age, but more (probably) than where they were initially drafted for their initial contract. except for 1st rounders like Hayes. But guys like Vesey, Kerfoot, Butcher, etc. will get more initial money than before and likely sign NHL contracts.
I wasn't even thinking of Buffalo, that was dumb on their part, thibking Vesey would go all that way and then get stuck with one team was silly. He was two months away from being able to pick any team for the exact same money, why not?
and I have no major issue if the system stays the same, I can just see teams and even the NHLPA pushing for a change of some type to limit this.
they have a big need at RW and he could have seen plenty of minutes early on if he is any good. They have Kyle Palmieri and Marcus Johansson but after them there is very little unless they move a center like Michael McLeod to RW.
Seriously these guys sometimes have strange reasons for their choices.
Will Butcher is the big name this year, I like him. I think he's eliminated the Habs unfotunately, and should have a 4 team list by the weekend, visits next week and a decision after labor day.
the Penguins would be awful (for non Pens fans), but not considered a favorite.
Las Vegas (once again, why?)
and the Devils are the favorites.
So three finalists: Buffalo, LV and NJD so far, I think his camp said there would be a 4th.
Given the choice of pretty much any NHL destination how you wind up with Buffalo, LV or NJD is crazy to me.
Though I think there's a distant Eichel connection (maybe played on some US international teams together).
RE: I don't understand why he didn't sign with the Devils
they have a big need at RW and he could have seen plenty of minutes early on if he is any good. They have Kyle Palmieri and Marcus Johansson but after them there is very little unless they move a center like Michael McLeod to RW.
Kerfoot thinks he's a center (and he may very well be a center from what I've read) and the Devils have a log jam at center, don't they?
RE: RE: I don't understand why he didn't sign with the Devils
they have a big need at RW and he could have seen plenty of minutes early on if he is any good. They have Kyle Palmieri and Marcus Johansson but after them there is very little unless they move a center like Michael McLeod to RW.
Kerfoot thinks he's a center (and he may very well be a center from what I've read) and the Devils have a log jam at center, don't they?
They do have a lot of young talent at center but Zajac is out 4-6 months. Henrique is a better fit at LW. Hischier will almost certainly make the team but playing him as the 2nd line center early is a bit unfair. They also have former first rounders John Quenneville and Michael McLeod trying to earn a spot on the roster but Quenneville might also move to the wing. Brian Boyle was signed to be the 4th line center.
As for Butcher I hope he signs with the Devils. They have a severe lack of talent on the blue line and he would surely have a great shot of making the roster out of training camp and he could even be a top 4 defenseman early on. I am not too concerned about losing Kerfoot as he isn't on Vesey's level but I would be thrilled to get a talented defenseman like Butcher for free. After Severson and Santini the Devils might have the worst blue line in hockey. I expect Severson to break out this season and become a true top pairing defenseman. Santini should cement himself as a top 4-6 defenseman as well but after them there is very little besides this years 3rd rounder Reilly Walsh but he is several years away from contributing.
The finalists are reportedly the Sabres, Golden Knights, and Devils. I don't know why he choose Vegas as they already have too many defensemen under contract.
He will have a bigger impact than Vesey or Hayes (or Kerfoot), IMO.
size is the only question in my mind, I don't like sub 6' defensemen generally, but I love the way Butcher played in the NCAA and internationally.
Can he hold up physically or will he become Torey Krug?
The Devils make the most sense. I am not just saying that because their my team but they have a huge need on defense, they have a lot of cap room, and they have several good young players to build around. Now obviously the cap room doesn't factor in with Butcher as there is a limit to what teams can offer but he can grow on the team with Zacha, Hischier, Hall, Palmieri, McLeod, Severson, Santini, Quenneville, Boqvist, Blackwood, etc.
some reports say as many as 10 teams still alive, but most believe the front runners are BUF and LV with NJD and PIT also in the mix.
He better not choose Pitt but the chance to go to a contender might be too good to pass up.
If I'm Butcher, the Pens win this easily, the chance to play with Crosby and Malkin and for one of the best coaching staffs in the league also in a situation where you are all but guaranteed a top 6 D spot.
the money is the same for everyone I believe.
however, this is the unique situation he's in, is that he can basically pick anywhere he wants to go and I don't think that's the way it should work.
I think he should have to sign with his original team or sit a year unless they release him. but that's just my knee jerk reaction to the recent college FA's.
I think the solution is simple. If the team offers a contract and the player refuses then he should have to re-enter the upcoming draft. If a team does not offer a contract then that player should become an unrestricted free agent .
I think the solution is simple. If the team offers a contract and the player refuses then he should have to re-enter the upcoming draft. If a team does not offer a contract then that player should become an unrestricted free agent .
Agree, that makes sense to me and seems fair to the player and the team.
I think the solution is simple. If the team offers a contract and the player refuses then he should have to re-enter the upcoming draft. If a team does not offer a contract then that player should become an unrestricted free agent .
Agree, that makes sense to me and seems fair to the player and the team.
though by today's rules anyone over 20 from North America cannot be in the entry draft.
He already came to US for college and was a teammate of Vesey. I'm thinking the Rangers have a good shot. Maybe this was their plan all along at Center?
it does make up for trading away picks because these guys are usually more NHL ready after college, NCAA isn't what it once was (a refuge for Canadians who didn't make the NHL to further their college careers), it's really from a hockey standpoint a farm system, a lightweight version of what the NFL has with the NCAA (since most NHL prospects still don't come from the NCAA).
I think Will Butcher is the biggest FA difference maker, if the Rangers land him and Kerfoot (and I haven't heard the Rangers mentioned at all with Butcher yet) I think you could see some grumbling by the other teams and some rule changes about draftees and free agency like maybe sitting a year after college/when their rights expire if they don't sign with their original draft team.
Just a guess.
No, not that close to Vesey IMO.
And Hayes was a 1st round pick to begin with so he's not close to what Hayes should be in the NHL.
He's small, is the main knock I have on him. I think he projects as an eventual 2/3 C, but hard to say for sure if he's NHL ready.
It really is such a joke. How about the league stops acting so damn socialist on the salary cap, allows it to rise as it has for other sports, and then they can have this rule change. At least in the other sports big market teams despite a cap or luxury tax can spend more than teams no one cares about.
Not hockey - in this sport the Rangers, Leafs and Habs are actually at a competitive disadvantage to Florida, Texas, Vegas, etc teams due to state/city income taxes and higher cost of living.
Many NCAA players have been drafted the ones who don't sign with their drafted team are not the rule it's the exception.
but my point is if the Rangers would sign Butcher (way bigger addition than Kerfoot IMO) they would have signed almost all the high profile UFA college grads (Hayes, Vesey, Butcher and Kerfoot)
If the NHL had a rule that if your draft rights are due to expire (I believe it's something like 30 days after separating from the school) and you don't sign with your original draft team you cannot sign with anyone else for a year (unless your draft team releases you) then I think you'd see even less of it.
I don't think it's a good thing for the sport even if it was the Canadiens signing these kids. It gives 22/23 year old kids freedom NHL veterans don't get for years.
If you want to tell me the player should have to go back into the draft (like in MLB) I might buy that. But giving the original team an extra year of control after the player has already risked his pro career for four years is excessive IMO.
I don't think it's a good thing for the sport even if it was the Canadiens signing these kids. It gives 22/23 year old kids freedom NHL veterans don't get for years.
Meh, freedom in terms of geography, but they make less money out of it this way than they otherwise would.
Baseball - guys get drafted and then go back in the draft the following year all the time
And lets also not forget teams often draft these guys later than they otherwise would have because they're a known risk to stay in school and never sign with them. Then they complain when the player follows through with it. And nothing more ridiculous than Buffalo fans crying over Vesey when Nashville, if any team, is the one that lost out on that one. Buffalo acquired him dirt cheap because of the risk... then played victim.
If you want to tell me the player should have to go back into the draft (like in MLB) I might buy that. But giving the original team an extra year of control after the player has already risked his pro career for four years is excessive IMO.
Agree, but the player made the choice.
They can't re-enter the draft after 4 years of college per current NHL rules (if they're US or Canadian), anyone over 20 is a UFA (assuming their draft rights expired or they weren't drafted).
IOW, if you're over 20 today you cannot be in the NHL draft unless you're European.
Quote:
I don't think it's a good thing for the sport even if it was the Canadiens signing these kids. It gives 22/23 year old kids freedom NHL veterans don't get for years.
Meh, freedom in terms of geography, but they make less money out of it this way than they otherwise would.
Baseball - guys get drafted and then go back in the draft the following year all the time
And lets also not forget teams often draft these guys later than they otherwise would have because they're a known risk to stay in school and never sign with them. Then they complain when the player follows through with it. And nothing more ridiculous than Buffalo fans crying over Vesey when Nashville, if any team, is the one that lost out on that one. Buffalo acquired him dirt cheap because of the risk... then played victim.
Less money at the same age, but more (probably) than where they were initially drafted for their initial contract. except for 1st rounders like Hayes. But guys like Vesey, Kerfoot, Butcher, etc. will get more initial money than before and likely sign NHL contracts.
I wasn't even thinking of Buffalo, that was dumb on their part, thibking Vesey would go all that way and then get stuck with one team was silly. He was two months away from being able to pick any team for the exact same money, why not?
and I have no major issue if the system stays the same, I can just see teams and even the NHLPA pushing for a change of some type to limit this.
Odd choice - but.. that's where he's headed.
Odd choice - but.. that's where he's headed.
Well... he will get an opportunity to play
Odd choice - but.. that's where he's headed.
weed.
Seriously these guys sometimes have strange reasons for their choices.
Will Butcher is the big name this year, I like him. I think he's eliminated the Habs unfotunately, and should have a 4 team list by the weekend, visits next week and a decision after labor day.
the Penguins would be awful (for non Pens fans), but not considered a favorite.
Las Vegas (once again, why?)
and the Devils are the favorites.
So three finalists: Buffalo, LV and NJD so far, I think his camp said there would be a 4th.
Given the choice of pretty much any NHL destination how you wind up with Buffalo, LV or NJD is crazy to me.
Though I think there's a distant Eichel connection (maybe played on some US international teams together).
Kerfoot thinks he's a center (and he may very well be a center from what I've read) and the Devils have a log jam at center, don't they?
Quote:
they have a big need at RW and he could have seen plenty of minutes early on if he is any good. They have Kyle Palmieri and Marcus Johansson but after them there is very little unless they move a center like Michael McLeod to RW.
Kerfoot thinks he's a center (and he may very well be a center from what I've read) and the Devils have a log jam at center, don't they?
They do have a lot of young talent at center but Zajac is out 4-6 months. Henrique is a better fit at LW. Hischier will almost certainly make the team but playing him as the 2nd line center early is a bit unfair. They also have former first rounders John Quenneville and Michael McLeod trying to earn a spot on the roster but Quenneville might also move to the wing. Brian Boyle was signed to be the 4th line center.
As for Butcher I hope he signs with the Devils. They have a severe lack of talent on the blue line and he would surely have a great shot of making the roster out of training camp and he could even be a top 4 defenseman early on. I am not too concerned about losing Kerfoot as he isn't on Vesey's level but I would be thrilled to get a talented defenseman like Butcher for free. After Severson and Santini the Devils might have the worst blue line in hockey. I expect Severson to break out this season and become a true top pairing defenseman. Santini should cement himself as a top 4-6 defenseman as well but after them there is very little besides this years 3rd rounder Reilly Walsh but he is several years away from contributing.
He will have a bigger impact than Vesey or Hayes (or Kerfoot), IMO.
size is the only question in my mind, I don't like sub 6' defensemen generally, but I love the way Butcher played in the NCAA and internationally.
Can he hold up physically or will he become Torey Krug?
The finalists are reportedly the Sabres, Golden Knights, and Devils. I don't know why he choose Vegas as they already have too many defensemen under contract.
He will have a bigger impact than Vesey or Hayes (or Kerfoot), IMO.
size is the only question in my mind, I don't like sub 6' defensemen generally, but I love the way Butcher played in the NCAA and internationally.
Can he hold up physically or will he become Torey Krug?
The Devils make the most sense. I am not just saying that because their my team but they have a huge need on defense, they have a lot of cap room, and they have several good young players to build around. Now obviously the cap room doesn't factor in with Butcher as there is a limit to what teams can offer but he can grow on the team with Zacha, Hischier, Hall, Palmieri, McLeod, Severson, Santini, Quenneville, Boqvist, Blackwood, etc.
some reports say as many as 10 teams still alive, but most believe the front runners are BUF and LV with NJD and PIT also in the mix.
Quote:
Are the Rangers not in on Butcher at all?
some reports say as many as 10 teams still alive, but most believe the front runners are BUF and LV with NJD and PIT also in the mix.
He better not choose Pitt but the chance to go to a contender might be too good to pass up.
Quote:
In comment 13572142 arcarsenal said:
Quote:
Are the Rangers not in on Butcher at all?
some reports say as many as 10 teams still alive, but most believe the front runners are BUF and LV with NJD and PIT also in the mix.
He better not choose Pitt but the chance to go to a contender might be too good to pass up.
If I'm Butcher, the Pens win this easily, the chance to play with Crosby and Malkin and for one of the best coaching staffs in the league also in a situation where you are all but guaranteed a top 6 D spot.
the money is the same for everyone I believe.
however, this is the unique situation he's in, is that he can basically pick anywhere he wants to go and I don't think that's the way it should work.
I think he should have to sign with his original team or sit a year unless they release him. but that's just my knee jerk reaction to the recent college FA's.
Agree, that makes sense to me and seems fair to the player and the team.
Quote:
I think the solution is simple. If the team offers a contract and the player refuses then he should have to re-enter the upcoming draft. If a team does not offer a contract then that player should become an unrestricted free agent .
Agree, that makes sense to me and seems fair to the player and the team.
though by today's rules anyone over 20 from North America cannot be in the entry draft.