Lessons learned from the nightmare free-agent class of 2016 and the price still being paid
By Jonathan Willis Nov 20, 2019 148
In terms of mismanagement by hockey executives, the NHL hasn't had many recent days worse than July 1, 2016.
The latest reminder came from the New York Islanders after winger Andrew Ladd cleared waivers on Friday. GM Lou Lamoriello, who did not sign the Ladd contract, explained that the team had maximized the amount of time it could leave him in the AHL on a conditioning stint (for a knee injury) and that although Ladd was cleared to play, he simply wasn't ready for major-league action.
"It's (the minor-league assignment) open-ended," he said. "I don't have a crystal ball as to what can and will not be. All we can do is make decisions for today and tomorrow."
Ladd, who turns 34 in December, is not quite at the halfway mark of the seven-year contract he signed in 2016. His no-trade clause opens up a bit next year, becoming a 15-team no-trade list, but the nature of his contract should make that irrelevant. Age, injury and declining production...