Hockey News writer Ken Campbell details how the Jonas Frogren situation in Toronto has exposed an error in the CBA.
Here’s the crux of the issue. Frogren turns 28 on Aug. 28, and by the NHL’s definition, he’s considered a 28-year-old for the 2008-09 season. In Article 9 (c) of the collective bargaining agreement, it clearly states, “a European player who signs his first SPC (Standard Player’s Contract) at age 28 or older is not subject to the entry level system under any circumstances.”
Thats a tough one. I expect the NHLPA to win out on this one, especially since the NHL’s argument that he is a “defected player” seems pretty weak.
