For players hoping for a deep playoff run, the Edmonton Oilers have established themselves as an attractive destination. This was recently brought to light by general manager Stan Bowman, who disclosed on Oilers Now that a number of player agents had contacted him to convey their clients’ desire to join the organization. However, given the NHL’s heightened emphasis on tampering, this seeming benefit might turn into a serious roadblock.
“A number of agents have called to let me know that their players would like to visit Edmonton. According to agents I’ve spoken with, we must submit a list of the select few venues where we can perform, and Edmonton is now on that list.
Although meant to emphasize Edmonton’s increasing attractiveness, this phrase straddles the line between what is allowed by NHL regulations. On the surface, it probably doesn’t amount to tampering if a player agent contacts the Oilers and tells Bowman that their client is willing to waive a no-trade clause—as long as Bowman doesn’t reply. If you do anything more than that, the league might scrutinize you.
In order to start conversations with other franchises, an agent usually needs approval from the team that currently represents their client. However, it might be within reasonable bounds if an agent just expresses interest and says that their athlete would be open to moving to Edmonton. Bowman might be accused of tampering if he were to reciprocate the interest by saying that the Oilers are also interested in signing the player.
Of course, Bowman would have no incentive to inquire about the other team’s requirements from the agent, but what if he did inquire about shift expectations or a potential extension in the event that the Oilers made a trade? When would Bowman be crossing the line, and where is it?
Bowman may choose to keep the details of those discussions confidential
The tampering regulations, which forbid direct or indirect conversations with players who are under contract with other teams, are being enforced more strictly by the league. Even informal discussions between agents and teams should be handled carefully, even though Bowman did not state that these discussions included official agreements or negotiations.
One source we spoke with responded, “No, that’s a general chat,” when asked if what Bowman disclosed could be problematic. Before July 1st, teams and agents should not agree to free agent contracts. The majority of the transactions were completed long ago last year. However, they also responded, “No, that’s exactly what they’re talking about trying to eliminate,” when we questioned if a player agent could speak with a team about their clients prior to the trade deadline or free agency.
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Could the Oilers’ Deadline Strategy Be Affected by This?
Bowman stated unequivocally that Edmonton’s ability to draw in talent driven by a genuine opportunity to compete for the Stanley Cup has been one of its benefits in recent years. Although Bowman’s remarks were meant to highlight the team’s improved standing, they could provide a slight obstacle to the Oilers’ plan to take advantage of midseason possibilities if the NHL views them as a warning sign.
The NHL wants to stop any pre-free agency talks between teams and player representatives, according to Elliotte Friedman, who recently discussed the league’s intention to eradicate even indirect types of tampering on Hockey Night in Canada. He didn’t discuss the trade deadline or the league’s perspective on agent-team discussions. GMs should know the league is keeping an eye on them, though.
Edmonton may find it more difficult to negotiate trade and free agency talks if these regulations are strictly enforced. This applies to any team that appears appealing at the deadline due to their status as a contender.
An Overcast for the Playoff Push
The goal of the NHL’s tampering regulations is to level the playing field. Violations may result in penalties, the loss of draft selections, or other disciplinary measures. Even though receiving unsolicited calls from agents might not be considered tampering per se, treating such conversations improperly could have negative repercussions.
If Bowman is getting calls and listening to agents pitch their clients, he will have to handle things carefully for a team as ambitious as Edmonton. It’s one thing if the team that hires that player has been allowed to look for a trade. Someone like Bowman should only say so much if they haven’t.
The NHL is aware that it’s difficult to prove anything, but it makes sense to believe that if general managers are prepared to discuss openly how frequently agents call, the league will know where to start.
