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As GMs discuss LTIR Loophole, HERE is the Solution that Benefits EVERYONE |
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Ok. So the GMs are discussing the LTIR loophole today. I have the solution.
LTIR as it is now is ridiculous and is quickly becoming a tool that teams almost MUST use just to stay competitive.
The loophole is easy to stop. Everyone knows the salary cap shouldn’t just disappear once the playoffs start. There is no logical reason the current cap rules don’t just extend into playoffs. The loophole is that they don’t and as it currently sits is allows teams to go over the cap, but injured players must wait out the season and not return from injury until they magically feel better for the playoffs. The Vegas Golden Knights can’t bring back Martinez or Stone, EVEN if they have recovered from injuries..
Why is there LTIR?
The spirit of LTIR is fine. If someone is truly done for the year than you should be able to replace him. However, that previously injured player AND his replacement shouldn’t be allowed to compete along side each other in the playoffs. (See Kucherov and Marc Savard last season).
My solution is logical and below..
First, obviously teams in the playoffs should have to stick to the same cap rules as the regular season or the competitive balance is screwed.
Teams are sometimes hurting temporarily and we could fix that at the trade deadline..while also fixing another issue at the deadline. The problem of Expiring ufa contracts of players of value who can’t be moved because they can’t fit into anyone’s cap.
My way of fixing this? Call it the “ray bourque rule.” It goes something like this…
A week before, and continuing until, the trade deadline every team is allowed to acquire 1 Expiring contract of a UFA to be WITHOUT it counting against the cap.
This benefits everyone.
1. Teams up against the cap can fill holes and gear up for a playoff run without using the LTIR loophole.
2. Teams looking to rebuild can get something for players of value by opening up the bidding to everyone.
3. Players like this are usually star caliber players (big money deals being the hardest to move) and they get to be moved to a place with a Cup chance, which makes The NHL more interesting down the stretch.
I’ve bounced this off of owners, agents, GMs and players and everyone has universally liked
It. This is truly a “win,win,win” as it benefits the owners, the players, and the fans, while allowing for added trade intrigue and the rebuilding teams can sell hope.
What say you?
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