The prospect for prospects: these days, the NHLers of the future have more to fear than getting picked by a perpetual loser. What if there is no draft?

Sporting News, The, Jan 14, 2005 by Kara Yorio

Over the past two weeks, some of the best young hockey prospects in the world gathered in Minnesota and North Dakota to play in the 2005 World Junior Championship.

These young players once had the world at their skates, but now they face questions about their futures. The ramifications of a lost season and the lack of a collective bargaining agreement in time for a June draft could be immense for many of these players. The majority of those playing in the Canadian Hockey League or with eligibility remaining at U.S. colleges would return to their teams next season. But those who otherwise would have jumped from juniors or college to the AHL or NHL would face tougher choices. They could return to their teams--or make a different decision.

Most speculation surrounds Canadian phenom Sidney Crosby, who caused a huge stir in the early days of the tournament by suggesting he might consider being a replacement player. The next day he "clarified" his statements, saying that an NHL of replacement players would not be the NHL of his dreams and therefore would not be an option he would consider.

So what would be his options? His agents at International Management Group certainly have looked into them, but they are waiting until the season--and possibly the draft--is canceled before getting into specifics. Agent Pat Brisson says Crosby could play in Europe or the AHL (although the tight connection between the AHL and NHL could scuttle that option). There even is the possibility--downplayed by Brisson--that IMG would attempt through legal action to get Crosby declared an unrestricted free agent and not subject to any subsequent NHL draft arrangements.

Crosby then would be in a great negotiating position, but what about lesser players? What about kids whose decisions could later end their only chance at playing in the NHL? What about the group of Canadian major junior players born in 1985 who were drafted two years ago and remain unsigned? Under the old CBA, if June 1 passed without their signing, they re-entered the draft. But if June 1, 2005, passes without a CBA, are they still property of the teams that drafted them? The NHL's Bill Daly says their fates will be spelled out in the new CBA. But if teams retain rights to these players, expect a legal challenge.

The best hope for young players if the season gets canceled is that a deal gets done before June. That would allow Crosby to be the first pick in the draft, but even he will have to wait for a big payday. In the entry-level contracts certain to be part of the new CBA, young players' base salaries won't be as large, and their ability to earn as much in bonuses will be curtailed. The idea is they must prove themselves at the NHL level before making big bucks.

Crosby almost certainly will get that money back. For so many others, this is money they'll never see, sacrificed for them by others. They will have to earn big paydays on NHL ice now, as those who came before should have. All that should be worth it to live the dream--to play in the real NHL, against and with the best in the world.

speed read

Each year, the World Junior Championship shows off the talent of young stars. This year, American forward Chris Bourque made a good impression. With Hall of Fame father, Ray, watching, the Capitals' 2004 second-round pick showed he is a smart and talented player who can play at both ends of the ice.

INSIDE DISH

It is no shock Canucks RW Todd Bertuzzi won't go to jail for his on-ice assault of then-Avalanche C Steve Moore. But It is surprising that the league won't comment on the legal decision--Bertuzzi pleaded guilty to assault causing bodily harm and was given a year of probation by British Columbia's provincial court. While on probation, Bertuzzi can't play in a game against Moore. It's probably moot considering the state of the season and Moore's injuries, but the league should say something about a legal decision that dictates lineups. Is the NHL planning legal action? Does Bertuzzi's admission of guilt change reinstatement consideration? Bertuzzi's agent has requested a reinstatement meeting, and the league has agreed unless the players' association objects, and it won't. * American C Phil Kessel is in high school, but he opened some eyes with his play in the World Junior Championship. Kessel, 17, showed great offensive skills while playing against older and more experienced players. * If Manchester Monarchs C Yanick Lehoux holds on to his AHL scoring lead, it will be quite an accomplishment. The Kings prospect is holding off Jason Spezza, the Senators' third-leading scorer last season, and is far ahead of other NHL players in the AHL.

Former Senators and Sabres W Rob Ray is suing the players' association for lockout pay, saying he is being denied payments because he said he'd be a replacement player. (Ray later backtracked on Sporting News Radio about playing, saying he is retiring.) If Ray hasn't yet filed his retirement papers (the NHLPA declined to comment on the matter), then he is entitled to his benefits, and good for him for suing. This looks like a power play by the players' association to keep its membership in line.