timlap said:
Euros also need to be signed under the new CBA, but if Kyle Woodlief is right then there is a one year exception for players playing in Russia, ie. Vorobiev and Semenov.
Steber is in the system, as has already been said. I think his contract might be with the Marlies rather than the Leafs- not at all sure about that though.
Norton is in the NCAA and not a factor for a while yet.
Here's what was reported on a Caps Report podcast during the season in response to my question to the draft right expiration for non-CHL draft picks(source: Caps media staff/writer, etc., as told to them by someone in hockey operations)
European draft picks need to be signed by:
Drafted in or prior to June 2002: June 1, 2006
Drafted 2003: June 1, 2007
Drafted 2004: June 1, 2008
Drafted 2005: June 1, 2007
Drafted 2006: June 1, 2008
Russian players: not the same because Russia has not signed the IIHF transfer agreement
Also, College Players: August 15 year they graduate or August 15 of what would have been their graduating year
I think it is a little strange that they have longer to sign the 04 European draft picks than the 05 picks, but that has to do with pre vs post new CBA timing