Monday Update

Former Rebels in the Middle of Free-Agency Controversey

It was a coming out party of sorts for former Rebels Colin Fraser and Kris Versteeg this season. The two Chicago Blackhawks youngsters both made the jump from the AHL to the NHL, as full timers.

Versteeg especially made strides, bursting onto the stage as one of the leagues top rookies, scoring 22 goals and 53 points enroute to being named a Calder Trophy finalist. He also added 4 goals and 12 points in 17 playoff games, as the Hawks went all the way to the Western Conference Final

Fraser also made a name for himself, killing penalties, creating energy, and adding 6 goals and 17 points in a 4th-line role while playing 81 games in the regular season.

Both were set to become restricted free agents this season, and both were due raises after solid seasons. But at only 23 and 24 years of age respectively, these two could potentially find themselves as UFA's this week due to a contract snafu.

Qualifying offers to RFA's need to be filed before July 1st, and due to what is being called a "clerical error" (a combination of the July 1st holiday and mail problems) Fraser, Versteeg, and four other players (Cam Barker, Aaron Johnson, Troy Brouwer, Ben Eager) didn't receive them in time.

As Puck Daddy's Sean Leahy writes:

This isn't the first time a clerical error during free agency cost a team. Back in 2000, the new Jersey devils forgot to send paperwork for Brian Rafalski and John Madden. Both became free agents that could be signed without compensation. Rafalski had been making $450,000 at the time and Madden $550,000.
Due to the error, New Jersey general manager Lou Lamoriello had to act quick and locked both players up to four year deals with Rafalski earning $11 million and Madden $7 million. \
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Those in the tinfoil hat club might say that this "clerical error" is Tallon's way of freeing up cap space for next summer when Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith, and Jonathan Toews all become RFA's. The cap hit of the "Chicago Six" was $5.5 million combined this past season.

Both Versteeg and Barker weren't eligible for arbitration rights and likely received (or not) offers less than $1 million, keeping them on the roster for the upcoming season. Maybe if they all become UFA's, they'll be too rich for Tallon's blood, especially Barker and Calder Trophy finalist Versteeg?
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-The matter is now in the hands of the NHLPA, and if they wish to file a grievance, we could see these players go to the highest bidder. If not, the qualifying offers will be legit.

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Meanwhile, Former Rebel Colby Armstrong (Atlanta Thrashers) is one of 20 NHL RFA's to file for salary arbitration, thus preventing him from signing any offer sheets from another team.

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