UFAs and RFAs - question

[ti-vite]

Of all the NHLPA players, only 325 have contracts for the 2005-2006 season, 99 for 2006-2007, and 24 for 2007-2008. The rest are RFAs and UFAs (assuming a lost year is a lost contract year)

When a player is between contracts, or about to retire, how is he bound to the NHLPA?

Martin St-Louis? NHLPA member or not? Ex: If we had hockey, and St-Louis holds out for 2 years, is he a member for 2 years or only when he resigns?

Not clear how this works...

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[Flukeshot]

I believe in cases of RFA and UFA's you are a member of the NHLPA. Even if you verbally retire you must complete the paperwork with the NHLPA to make it official. This is to ensure that players have the same legal protection (insurance and stuff) whether they are signed on with a team or not. I guess you are really out when you stop paying your union fees.

I think I remember hearing in an interview that Mike Bossy never filed his papers... I hear a comeback story waiting to happen.

 

[ti-vite]

I was just wondering if these players would technically be crossing the picket line or not...I guess so(?)

Thanks...