Double standard
Say what you want about college kids becoming free agents if they don't sign with the team that drafted them within four years, but this is not a loophole. This was collectively bargained between the NHL and Players' Association and is crystal clear in the CBA.
Last week, Nashville Predators GM David Poile understandably voiced his frustration that Harvard star Jimmy Vesey's reps wouldn't let the Preds meet with Vesey, then announced he'll become a free agent Aug. 15. The concern always in these situations, especially since Vesey can't make more money in free agency, is that there's been tampering. His dad works for Toronto; there are reports in Boston that he's already destined for there.
Still, GM's will up and trade a player at any time, so it's hard to cry about loyalty when a player exercises a right that the CBA affords him. The Columbus Blue Jackets' brass publicly didn't rip Mike Reilly when he went this route last year.
Yakity yak
Disappointing Edmonton former No. 1 overall pick Nail Yakupov told a Russian reporter last week that he requested a trade before the Feb. 29 deadline. The Oilers clearly didn't trade him because they couldn't find a partner or the right deal. Yakupov is a likely goner this offseason, but there could be other changes in Edmonton, which is staring at yet another chance at winning the lottery.
Connor McDavid is probably the only untouchable.
"We'll see what happens this summer; not just Yak but a lot of guys could be gone," said Taylor Hall, one of four No. 1 overall picks on Edmonton