EHM The Blue Line

I was just listening to Mike Babcock talk about the Leafs season and he said they had several players becoming UFA that he felt deserved to be allowed to become UFA and test the market. He then went on to say how well they played (Kadri, Komorov etc) and that they may sign as Leafs or with another team. So to my question: why do NHL teams seem to allow their stars to walk when they become UFA and then offer a contract, is it that they are hoping to get them cheaper as a free agent instead of signing them say in February? I don't know how many times I have watched a game and the board are talking about "player X becoming a UFA at season end", he is only a UFA if you let him be or you can't afford him.

When I play EHM:EA I try to sign my UFA as soon as the first contract notice appears, in December. Do the NHL teams try this and fail, or do they let the boys walk?

Sorry if my question isn't worded very well.

I would think they don't want an unhappy star. They want them to want to play for your team. So by giving them a chance to pick, you keep them happy. Just guessing.

I truly wonder on this. I think if they want to be happy with the Leafs in this case, they would sign a contract before July 1. Boiling it all down I can only surmise that they may get the players cheaper when the other teams don't offer them $8m per season that they asked for during the year, but a more reasonable $4m. Searching the internet failed to find anything.

Thanks for the input.