Habster:
I think the NHL head office may have sent emails to every general manager which strongly advised them to set deadlines for any potential problems of players thinking about a late season return to action (i.e- Teemu Selanne and Scott Niedermayer).
I’m not an NHL contract expert and don’t profess to be one but I would think the league and NHLPA would have to negotiate the elimination of players returning to the league at a later date.
Regardless whether the league was involved with Brian Burke’s latest decision to give Selanne and Niedermayer deadlines, it’s the right thing to do. Burke needs to know as soon as possible whether these players are committed to playing next season so he can sign UFAs and/or make a draft day deal to improve his roster.
Both players owe Brian Burke and the Ducks organization a debt of gratitude and should make a decision without waiting until the June 21st deadline.
Brian Burke was patience to a fault with his two key veterans but thought the patience would pay dividends with another Stanley Cup ring.
Unfortunately for Burke, the late additions of Selanne and Niedermayer were non factors with the Ducks getting bounced from the playoffs in the first round by the Dallas Stars.
Let’s hope there won’t be any more situations like the Ducks had to endure or any more rumours regarding who will win the Peter Forsberg sweepstakes? Commit to your team or retire either way, move on with your life.