Montreal Canadiens: Signing some of the prospects

The Montreal Canadiens will have more prospects to sign come June with their rights to William Bitten and Michael Pezzetta set to expire.

Getting drafted by an NHL team is one of the biggest milestones for a young player as they start their career in the sport. However, the next step after that is getting yourself an entry-level contract. According to the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the NHL and NHLPA – or that thing that’s going to cause the next lockout – a team will hold the rights for a player up to two years after they’re selected.

This is different for players drafted out of the NCAA where teams hold their rights up until 30 days after their graduation. For example, the Habs drafted Jake Evans in the seventh round of the 2014 Entry Draft. He’s currently in his last year at the University of Notre Dame. If he isn’t signed by August 15th, the 21-year-old becomes an unrestricted free agent and can sign with any team.

We saw this happen with Will Butcher, drafted by the Colorado Avalanche but signed with New Jersey, and Jimmy Vesey, drafted by the Nashville Predators but signed with the Rangers. Considering how well Evans has played for Notre Dame this year and his overall growth as a centre, getting him on a contract should be a top priority for the Habs this summer.

However, Evans isn’t the only one. Prospects Will Bitten and Michael Pezzetta are going to needs deals as well for the Habs to hold on to their rights. Management will have until June 1st to get them signed. Otherwise, they can re-enter the draft.