I'm not blaming anybody. Relax. It's a interpretation thing. The Hudon and McNiven situation clarifies it cause we have evidence to prove it. But if we did not have evidence to prove based on past examples, I do think that clause leaves room for interpretation. I believe that clause can be re-written to be more clear.
What you linked is not the official CBA, so don't expect something legalistic. I agree it is not clear, although if you read carefully, they assume each slide is a new contract. So there is a new signing date every time it slides. The real CBA says this:
"Article 9.1 (d)
(i) In the event that an 18 year old or 19 year old Player signs an SPC with a Club but does not play at least ten (10) NHL Games in the first season under that SPC, the term of his SPC and his number of years in the Entry Level System shall be extended for a period of one (1) year, except that this automatic extension will not apply to a Player who is 19 according to Section 9.2 by virtue of turning 20 between September 16 and December 31 in the year in which he first signs an SPC. Unless a Player and Club expressly agree to the contrary, in the event a Player's SPC is extended an additional year in accordance with this subsection, all terms of the SPC, with the exception of Signing Bonuses, but including Paragraph 1 Salary, games played bonuses and Exhibit 5 bonuses, shall be extended; provided, however, that the Player's Paragraph 1 Salary shall be extended in all circumstances.
(ii) In the event that a Player signs his first SPC at age 18 and has had his SPC extended pursuant to Subsection (i), and such Player does not play at least ten (10) NHL Games in the second season under that SPC, then the term of his SPC and his number of years in the Entry Level System shall be extended for one (1) additional year. Unless a Player and Club expressly agree to the contrary, in the event a Player's SPC is extended an additional year in accordance with this Subsection, all terms of the SPC, with the exception of Signing Bonuses, but including Paragraph 1 Salary, games played bonuses and Exhibit 5 bonuses, shall be extended; provided, however, that the Player's Paragraph 1 Salary shall be extended in all circumstances."
So it is clear it is 2 years maximum.
It is probably just easier to say that if a player is eligible for normal Junior play, his contract will slide unless he plays 10 games in the NHL. The reason they sign contracts early is to make the training camp, otherwise they could not, like people from American colleges cannot do training camp since they are forbidden by their league to sign pro contracts. The "blue" exception is to synchronize this with Junior eligibility. In a case of a European, it is the same, as they would be Junior eligible for two years after their draft year, if they were drafted as soon as they are eligible. So two years after they are drafted, players can play Junior, and must be offered to their Junior team before going to the AHL. Their contract will slide up to two years if they don't make it into the NHL. Then it is just normal pro contract.
On this note,
"(b) Subject to subsection (c) below, the period covered by the SPC for every Rookie, and the number of years that such Player will be in the Entry Level System and subject to the compensation limits set out in this Article, shall be as indicated on the chart immediately below, and during such period, the Player shall be deemed to be a "Group 1 Player": First SPC Signing Age Period Covered by First SPC and Years in the Entry Level System and Subject to Compensation Limits
18-21 3 years
22-23 2 years
24 1 year
25 and older No required number of years, not in the Entry Level System and not subject to limits on compensation"
So no matter when the contract is signed, at 25, there is no more ELC at the latest. Could go out of ELC earlier by up to two years.
Cheers.
