No Need to Change Waiver Rules: If you really want these players, do it BEFORE the se

[30ranfordfan]

By Sean McCafferty aka 30ranfordfan

Marek Svatos. Kyle Wellwood. Now Evgeni Nabokov. Three times an NHL club has tried to bring a player over from Europe this year, and three times another club has snatched them up on the waiver wire. Three times the fans of the team that was ‘robbed’ cry foul. We’re hearing calls for a change in the rule. One that would allow clubs that do all the leg work getting a deal done, to reap the benefits of that contract.

Read More.....

[mugatu471]

I wouldn't say Detroit fans cried foul. From what I've seen its been more fans of the Isles and other teams attacking Nabakov. I feel like Detroit fans are just "whatever" about it.

Other than that good read. If you want 'em, get 'em before the season.

[scottkoz20]

I think a counter-point argument article in coming Sean

[30ranfordfan]

Do it!

I'll never be one to claim that I'm never wrong. Always happy to see other opinions on the same topic.

In this case though, I think the NHL made the right move putting an end to this stuff, before it was allowed to go too far. While a rule that made sense 20 years ago doesn't always make sense today...... the fact that there is a leauge in Europe where the money is actually competitive with the NHL, it makes even more sense to put this in place.

I don't want to see the league get to a point where there is a large influx of players during the month leading up to the trade deadline. I know we're only talking about 3 guys this year..... which isn't a huge deal..... but when does it become too many? What if 30 guys do this every year? What if 50 do it?

I don't want to see a leauge where a bunch of players head to Europe, then make a call based on the standings 2/3s of the way through the season where they'd like to play.

Other major sports in North America (if we can call Hockey that) don't have to deal with this, becuase there is legit league for Basketball, Baseball, or Football players to spend the first 2/3s of the season in (with all due respect to Japanese Baseball and European Basketball).

I think a counter-point argument article in coming Sean

[JHEYKID]

These teams go into damage control and try to pick up players, of course their rivals are gonna step in. Totally agree, if you want em do it before the season.

[duwal]

I wouldn't say Detroit fans cried foul. From what I've seen its been more fans of the Isles and other teams attacking Nabakov. I feel like Detroit fans are just "whatever" about it.

Other than that good read. If you want 'em, get 'em before the season.

no there have been plenty of Wings fans on here that have been crying foul and how dare a team like the Islanders try and take away one of their players

[centrehice]

In most cases, the NHL teams who initiate talks with whatever players are available from Europe don't necessarily jump through hoops.

In many cases they have the team agent have the player sign the document, that is then overnighted to the team's head office. The NHL Head Office is faxed, then hard copied on every document for the proceedings to follow according to the CBA etc.

In most cases an available player if he lives in Europe just stays home and signs and waits. He's not flown all over the World to get a simple deal done.

[CSSports]

I say keep the rule....Teach these players that if they want make more money in the KHL - then go and dont come back until the season is over.....and I hate players that refuse to report......I hated Lindros for doing it and i feel the same about Nabby.....
Some players are just a bunch of million dollar whiney babies

As for the teams....well they had their shot at these players over the summer and didnt get them. They are easy to find loopholes in contracts and rules and no complaints from them on that but a rules that is place that doesnt have a loophole....well, now they are crying about it and want a change......
DEAL WITH IT!