Player Acquisition

Is there a process a USHL team has to go through to sign a player that is not on their futures list or acquired in the draft? It appears like it must work similar to a waiver wire, where the lower teams in the standings have a first right to sign these players.

Re: Player Acquisition

DogPound wrote:

Is there a process a USHL team has to go through to sign a player that is not on their futures list or acquired in the draft? It appears like it must work similar to a waiver wire, where the lower teams in the standings have a first right to sign these players.

I don't recall anything like this when the USHL was in Topeka. It was my understanding that unless a player was tendered, drafted, or otherwise protected then they were fair game to whoever could get them to come into town and try to make the team.

I suppose there could be some sort of waiver wire for players that were previously drafted or protected and were cut loose by their team, but I don't think there is anything for players that were never protected.

Re: Player Acquisition

kevgraub wrote:

DogPound wrote: Is there a process a USHL team has to go through to sign a player that is not on their futures list or acquired in the draft? It appears like it must work similar to a waiver wire, where the lower teams in the standings have a first right to sign these players. I don't recall anything like this when the USHL was in Topeka. It was my understanding that unless a player was tendered, drafted, or otherwise protected then they were fair game to whoever could get them to come into town and try to make the team. I suppose there could be some sort of waiver wire for players that were previously drafted or protected and were cut loose by their team, but I don't think there is anything for players that were never protected.

Kev that is correct. If the player has not signed a Tender, not drafted, or already on a team, he can sign with anyone.

There is a waiver process for released players but not for unprotected players.

Goaltender Matt Dalton became a free agent when his NAHL Bozeman Icedogs folded. USHL Chicago had the priority because they were the last place team the preceeding year. They acquired the rights to Dalton even though their first two picks in the draft were goaltenders. Chicago then traded Dalton to USHL Des Moines.

Dalton is doing very well for Des Moines. Looks like a very nice trade for them at this point. This off-season, I believe, the USHL changed their rule about foreign goaltenders, so now it's possible for guys like Dalton to play in the USHL.

Seemed like a stupid rule to begin with (no foreign goaltenders)