The Dating Game
Eighteen and nineteen year old rookies who play 10 games with their respective NHL teams lose their first-year status and their contracts are deemed to have commenced for the purposes of establishing rights and obligations under the league’s collective bargaining agreement. As a result, NHL teams often try out rookies for nine games before deciding if they want to keep them for the whole season and burn a year on their contracts. Well the courtship is over. We are at the 9-game mark in the schedule. Which rookies will stay and which will be returned to their junior teams?
Staying
Steve Stamkos (Tampa)
Despite not registering a single point in seven games so far, Stamkos has purchased a car and moved into his own apartment with the blessing of coach Barry Melrose.
Luke Schenn (Toronto)
His poised play has impressed everyone in the Leaf organization. He was advised by coach Ron Wilson on Monday that he is not going back to Kelowna of the WHL.
Drew Doughty (Los Angeles)
This was pretty much ordained from the beginning of the season. Doughty is in Tinsletown to stay.
Jakub Voracek (Columbus)
With seven points in nine games this season there is little doubt Voracek will remain in Columbus.
Mikkel Boedker (Phoenix)
Coach Wayne Gretzky loves him and told the 18-year-old to find permanent lodging in the desert.
Luca Sbisa (Philadelphia)
On Monday, Flyer GM Paul Holmgren delivered the news that he Sbisa will be staying with the big club past the 10-game deadline. He has been a nice surprise.
Going
Nikita Filatov (Columbus)
Although he won’t return to any junior team, Filatov will soon be demoted to the Jackets’ AHL affiliate in Syracuse as Columbus coach Ken Hitchcock believes he needs more seasoning.
Already Gone
Zach Boychuk (Carolina)
Josh Bailey (Islanders)
On the Fence
Zach Bogosian (Atlanta)
The Thrashers have been somewhat noncommittal about his status, although it seems that coach John Anderson wants to keep him in Atlanta.
Alex Pietrangelo (St. Louis)
A concussion has complicated Pietrangelo’s situation. He has the puck-moving skills the Blues currently need but he has not as yet been able to showcase them.
Oscar Moeller (Los Angeles)
Moeller has run hot and cold to date and it is not certain if the Kings will keep him beyond this weekend.
Colton Gillies (Minnesota)
Although he has been in and out of the Wild lineup, Gillies stands a 50-50 chance of staying in Minnesota beyond a nine-day trial.
