Teams Holding Rights To 2018 WJC Players Will 'Quite Possibly' Have To Decide On Potential Qualifying Offers
A new development has emerged concerning the five members of Canada's 2018 World Juniors team currently awaiting trial on sexual assault charges, where deputy NHL commissioner Bill Daly on what could happen with the players' current contracts.
Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports - Teams Holding Rights To 2018 WJC Players Will 'Quite Possibly' Have To Decide On Potential Qualifying OffersA new development has emerged concerning the five members of Canada's 2018 World Juniors team—including Philadelphia Flyers goalie Carter Hart—currently awaiting trial on sexual assault charges, where Deputy NHL Commissioner Bill Daly on what could happen with the players' current contracts.
While the five charged players are currently listed as team reserves, Daly provided some clarity over what it might look like for the players whose NHL contracts expire this year, necessitating action from their respective teams.
For the Flyers, Hart's current contract will expire this summer, and what will likely happen, according to Daly, is that the front office will need to make a decision on whether to qualify him or not. If they decide to qualify Hart, the organization will retain his rights, but if they choose not to qualify him, then he will become an unrestricted free agent.
Alternatively, if Hart is qualified and does sign that or a contract extension, then it will be considered his official new contract with the team.
It is unclear whether the players will even have the ability to negotiate or sign a new contract (should they be qualified) while awaiting their trial, which is still pending an official start date.
Flyers GM Danny Briere has stated that the teams involved cannot comment on the situation and that the league will be responsible for providing updates and information going forward.
Make sure to bookmark THN's Philadelphia Flyers site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.