Releasing, and rights

[deknegt]

So i'm playing the 1998 roster with the Predators, and am now going into 02/03. And over the past two years i've created a massive logjam at the goalie position.

As a result I have four goalies under contract (Turco, Backstrom, Vokoun, Malek). And well, I really don't need four goalies under contract. But at the same time, I really don't want to lose any of their rights because goalie rights are valuable and stuff. And I can't get a good trade for Malek, who the only guy is I would actually trade away.

So, I was wondering what would happen if I were to release Malek, rather than trade him away. Would this also release his rights, or would I retain his rights indefinitely or for a certain amount of time?

In general, how am I able to retain rights to a player that is still reasonably young and with some upside, but I can't use on either the NHL team or the affiliates. Is it only true letting their contracts run out whilst being qualified RFA's? Or is there another way.

[nino33]

I was wondering what would happen if I were to release Malek, rather than trade him away. Would this also release his rights, or would I retain his rights indefinitely or for a certain amount of time?

If he's under contract don't you have to buy him out? I suspect if you "release" a player you lose his rights (keep in mind the 1998 DB uses the 2005 CBA and not the current one)

[RomaGoth]

So i'm playing the 1998 roster with the Predators, and am now going into 02/03. And over the past two years i've created a massive logjam at the goalie position.

As a result I have four goalies under contract (Turco, Backstrom, Vokoun, Malek). And well, I really don't need four goalies under contract. But at the same time, I really don't want to lose any of their rights because goalie rights are valuable and stuff. And I can't get a good trade for Malek, who the only guy is I would actually trade away.

So, I was wondering what would happen if I were to release Malek, rather than trade him away. Would this also release his rights, or would I retain his rights indefinitely or for a certain amount of time?

In general, how am I able to retain rights to a player that is still reasonably young and with some upside, but I can't use on either the NHL team or the affiliates. Is it only true letting their contracts run out whilst being qualified RFA's? Or is there another way.

There is no way to release a player without losing his rights except when he is a restricted free agent and declines a qualifying offer. FWIW, I always have 5 goalies under contract with my NHL team; 2 with the big club, 2 in the AHL, and 1 in lower minors (usually ECHL). This is standard practice for NHL teams in case of injuries and it also helps control their playing time for development.