2011 COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT
UPDATED 9/24/11
*The NHLsim would like to thank and credit Mathias Vagur from the OTHL.org league for allowing NHLsim the basis for this CBA.
*Please visit OTHL.org, considered by many one of the world's finest fantasy hockey league.
UPDATED 9/24/11
*The NHLsim would like to thank and credit Mathias Vagur from the OTHL.org league for allowing NHLsim the basis for this CBA.
*Please visit OTHL.org, considered by many one of the world's finest fantasy hockey league.
CHAPTER 1: CODE OF CONDUCT
1.1. Code of Conduct
The NHLsim code of conduct applies to both people in league management positions and general managers. Each general manager must act in an appropriate manner towards one another. Treat others as you
would want to be treated. Be polite and courteous to other members, whether it is on the message board, over instant messenger, or through email. Every conversation, discussion, or argument should be handled in
a professional manner.
Any type of collusion, cheating or other similar activity will not be tolerated by any member of the league. Any member found to be involved in any such activity will be immediately removed from the league.
Disciplinary action, including removal from the league, will be levied against any member of the NHLsim who does not abide the NHLsim code of conduct policy in its entirety.
CHAPTER 2: COMISSIONERS
2.1. Commissioners
There is currently only one commissioner. Commissioners may be added or removed as the league office deems necessary. All Commissioners have an equal say in league matters and may not over-rule another, as
well as an equal responsibility for league operations.
2.2 Current Commissioner(s)
Jason Yu - Commissioner - EDM
CHAPTER 3: LEAGUE SIMULATOR
3.1. STHS Simulator
NHLSim uses the STHS Simulator V.2 (Simon T Hockey Simulator). The league may update versions of the simulator at any given time, without notice.
CHAPTER 4: BOARD OF DIRECTORS
4.1. General Information
The Board of Directors (BOD) will be selected by the Commissioner(s) of the NHLsim. Commissioners are also members of the BOD. The BOD will be called upon to help make important decisions,such as propose
and vote on changes to rules and/or league policies, or weigh in on various issues that arise. The BOD members are expected to act as leaders and good role models for the rest of the GM's. BOD members will be
held to the highest standards of the NHLsim in both the conduct policy and activity.
4.2 Current BOD Members
The current BOD Members are:
Jason Yu - Commissioner - EDM
CHAPTER 5: GENERAL MANAGER OPERATIONS
5.1. Duties
As a General Manager in the NHLsim you have some specific duties that should be done on a regular basis. The duties include but are not limited to; active participation in the league (See sec 5.2 Participation)
sending in lines, making trades to improve your franchise, signing players, balancing your franchise's finances, including operating above even and keeping within the roster limitations. If you frequently do not live
up to your duties then you are subject to dismissal.
5.2. Participation
Reading and posting on the message board is mandatory. A lot of important information is on the message board along with some great discussions. If you do not keep up with the message board then you will miss
things, the message board is a huge part of the league and that cannot be stressed enough. Checking and replying to e-mail is also very important, it's expected that you check e-mail at least once every 48 hours.
Again if you frequently do not live up to these expectations then you will be subject to dismissal. Being active and social around the league are just as important as your GM duties. You must have MSN messenger
and use it to be in the . (Many instant messaging applications exist (ie Trillian, Digsby, AdiumX) that incorporate other services as well, however we will require each GM to have a registered MSN messenger
account. Instant Messenger is a very important communication tool and a lot of fun can be had talking to other GM's. MSN messenger is simply the league chosen IM network.
Writing team articles is an effective means of communicating to the league your team’s direction, or plans. Articles are also a way to make the league entertaining. Whether you are confident in your writing skills or
not an article on the forum (message board) site from time to time is not only solid participation, but shows visitors to the league site who are not currently GMs, that the NHLsim is an active, competitive, and
entertaining league. Every week the commissioner will select the article of the week which will be posted as the main website.
5.3. Leave Of Absence
There will obviously be exceptions made to GM duties and participation as long as notice is given. If you are studying for exams, have a ton of homework, going on vacation, injured, getting married etc.. then
obviously you will not be able to fulfill your duties. Post your particular situation on the “Vacations and Problems” thread on the board to notify the league of any absence. If a GM is gone for a lot longer than they
stated, gone for a while without any notice or is frequently too busy then each case will be looked at individually and they may be subject to dismissal.
5.4. Switching Teams
When a GM leaves the league for any reason then their former team may become available to anyone in the league who wants to switch teams. This will be treated on a case by case basis by the commissioner(s).
However someone from outside of the league may take over the team, current NHLsim GM's do not get priority. The decision of who gets the team will be left to the Commissioners.
5.5. Complaints
To file a complaint about anything going on in the league you can e-mail a Commissioner or privately get in touch with the league in another way (through email, private message on the board, instant message,
etc). Complaints are not to be posted on the message board at all. If you have any concerns they will be dealt with professionally and privately. Violating this policy will result in disciplinary action, up to and
including dismissal.
CHAPTER 6: COACHES
6.1. General Information
Coaches will have an effect on a team's play. Only coaches or assistant coaches currently active in the NHL, AHL and CHL are eligible to be coaches in the NHLsim. Only coaches in the active coach list can be
signed. To sbumit a coach, send an e-mail to the commissioner and the coach will be added to the list including his ratings.
Ratings will come from www.simhl.net. There will be no re-rates/revisions unless there is gross discrepancy. Then it will be left to the discretion of the Commissioner(s).
When a coach is no longer a coach in the NHL/AHL/CHL (ie. fired, resigned, retirement), that coach will retire from NHLsim in the following off-season. Coaches can be signed signed only as long as their NHL/AHL
counterpart.
6.1.1 Roster Requirements for Coaches Each team must hire a pro coach and a minor league coach. Failure to do so before the start of the regular season will result in a fine due to having an invalid roster (see
7.3).
6.2. Making Coaching Changes
Coaches may be fired at anytime, however they must be paid 80% of their entire contract immediately by their former club. As soon as a coach is fired, one must be signed and hired at the same time. Any coach on
the coaches list who is not signed with another team may be hired. New coaches may be added to the list at any time at the discretion of the commissioners or coaching agent. Coaches who retire in the NHL, will
finish the current NHLsim season. The coach will then retire the following NHLsim off-season. If a coach retires in the NHL during the NHLsim off-season then he retires immediately from the NHLsim. Once a coach
retires from the NHLsim, He forfeits his pay and his contract is voided.
6.2a Making an Offer to the Minors Coach of another club
As a coach’s style can have an impact on your teams play, and locking up name coaches to minor league posts is a possibility. The NHLsim established the following provision for hiring a coach away from another
team’s minors league affiliate. Should a major team be in the market for a new Head Coach, The GM of said team may ask for permission to speak with another team's Minor League Head Coach / Agent. [A Teams
NHLsim Head Coach is NOT a tradable Asset at this time.] Should a deal be worked out with the Coach’s Agent, then suitable will be paid by the team signing the Coach, and then the Coach will be promoted to the
NHLsim team that has negotiated a contract terms. The GM of the current owning team will have no part in the contract negotiations.
Suitable compensation is deemed as at least:
• a 4th round draft selection in the next draft.
• $750,000
• other compensation of greater value may be negotiated between the two teams. However, this is not to be a sticking point.
**If the 2 teams cannot come to an agreement, then the compensation will be a 4th round pick in the next draft, or $750,000 should the pick be unavailable.
Compensation is only awarded AFTER the coach's agent and the new team agree on the contract terms. If no agreement is reached, nothing changes hands.
If a team receives a request for permission, should they want to retain the coach, they will have to promote him to NHLsim and pay the normal contract buyout to their current coach.
**A team may NOT decline permission. The granting of permission is merely a formality, so that the current team holding the right to the coach is aware that negotiations will begin. If multiple teams ask for
permission, then the coach’s agent will attempt to acquire the best deal for his client, much like a UFA.
6.3 Acquiring a coach on an outgoing contract
Upon entering the off-season, when all contracts are advanced 1 year, coaches on outgoing contracts can be approached by other teams after they have gained permission from the current team. When a contract
has been reached the compensation of a 5th round draft pick in the next entry draft, will be transfered from the 'buying' team.
If the team acquiring the coach, doesn't have a 5th round pick in the next entry draft, a 5th round pick from the following entry draft will be used as compensation. The maximum number of years ahead is 3 years.
So if the team acquiring the coach doesn't have a 5th round pick in either of the 3 upcoming drafts, the team cannot sign the coach.
Note that the team that holds the coach contract, have the right to say no to any approaching teams if they want to try and re-sign the coach themselves or if they are content in letting the coach walk at the start of
the UFA Period. Coaches still under contract cannot be traded. Only coaches with outgoing contracts can be obtained via a trade.
Teams interested in trading for a coach on an outgoing contract, send contract offer to coach's agent. The agent will then contact the team holding the coachs contract, and seek permission. If permission is
granted, the agent will begin negotiation with the team/teams who made the offer/s to the coach in question. If no permission is granted, the team/s interested in the coach will be contacted about the decision.
CHAPTER 7: TEAM ROSTER
7.1. Roster Restrictions
Teams must have a minimum of 20 active, non-injured players on their parent club roster at all times. Of these, At least 4 must be listed at each forward position (C, RW, LW), at least 6 must be listed at defense, and
at least 2 must be goaltenders. Compliance with this rule can be assured by frequently sending in lines via the GM Editor. Teams are highly encouraged to have 3+ goalies signed to NHLsim contracts in case one is
injured. A maximum of 5 goalies may be on a team’s roster, 3 of which may be on the team’s active pro roster at any one time. (This does not include prospects.)
Teams may have a maximum of 23 active, non injured players on their pro roster at any one time during the regular season and playoffs. Teams may have an unlimited amount of players on their pro roster during
preseason. Teams may have a maximum of 50 players signed to NHLsim contracts (between pro and farm rosters).
Each team must also have a pro coach and a minor league coach (see 6.1.1).
7.2. Goalie Restrictions
Teams are only allowed to play a goalie for up to 72 games (IE appearances in games) or 4,320 minutes during the course of the regular season. If a goalie plays a 73rd game then the said goalie is suspended for
the rest of the regular season (which would be a maximum of 10 games) and if the team makes the playoffs, the entire 1st round of the playoffs.
7.3. Fines
Failure to comply with the roster requirements will result in a fine of $2,000,000 for the first violation of the CBA and $5,000,000 for each subsequent violation of the CBA. Reoccurring violations of the roster
requirements by avGM will be considered a violation of the GMs responsibilities and be susceptible to disciplinary action.
7.4. Switching A Player’s Position
You may switch a player's position at any time. You must provide proof that the player has played the position you want them changed to by providing a Commissioner with a valid link that shows the player at that
position. The link must come from one of the NHLsim approved sites.
Approved sites:
www.tsn.ca
www.NHL.com
www.forecaster.ca
www.theStar.com
7.5. Buying out a player
A team may terminate a player's contract at anytime, however the team is obligated to pay the player's full remaining contract as one lump sum at the time of termination. This process is referred to as "buying-out"
the remaining life of the contract. At the point of termination, the player becomes an unrestricted free agent (UFA) regardless of age. If the player is currently retired from the NHL at the time of the buyout, then the
player will be removed from the sim, and added to the unavailing list under property of UFA’s.
7.5.1 Re-signing a bought-out player
Teams are not allowed to release a player and then re-sign him to a new contract. If a team buys out a player, that player is not allowed to re-sign with that until the following off-season when free agecny opens. The
other 29 teams are allowed to try and sign the player as a unrestricted free agent.
7.6. Team Roster, Rookie Status
To qualify to be a rookie, the skater/goalie must be 26 years old or younger at the start of the NHLsim season. A skater remains a rookie for the first 24 NHLsim pro games, on their 25th game they give up rookie status
for the next season. A goalie remains a rookie for the first 26 NHLsim pro games, on their 27th game they give up rookie status for the next season. However anyone who starts a season as a rookie remains a rookie
until the end of that season.
7.7 ‘Stashing Players’ in the Minors
Some team General Managers may find the need to bury over priced, underperforming players in the minors to remain under the salary cap, or within roster limits. This is not at all against the rules of the league.
However, at their discretion the players may request a trade through their agent. The GM must then attempt to trade the player to a team that will keep the player on their active pro roster.
CHAPTER 8: TEAM LINES
8.1. Line Restrictions
As discussed in section 7.1, functional lines must include dressing 20 active, non-injured players. Again, of these, at least 4 must be listed at each forward position (C, RW, LW), at least 6 must be listed at defense,
and 2 must be goaltenders. A GM must submit the best lines as they possibly can or at least within reason. If any team is caught using lines that considerably hurt their team's chances of winning then it will be
grounds for dismissal. The commissioners will use their discretion to monitor the lines and make sure no teams are throwing games.
8.2. ‘Double Shifting’ Players
In order to address what is perceived as an ineffectiveness of the Simulation Software, a restriction on double shifting players is in place. 1 Forward player, playing on a team's 1st, 2nd, or 3rd line, may NOT be
double shifted on a team’s 4th line. 2 Defensemen may however be double shifted for form a team’s 4th D pairing. Because this double shifting cannot be controlled by the simulator, this must be monitored
manually. Should your team play a team, and the results would indicate that the opponent has double shifted more than 1 forward, on purpose. An email need be sent to the BOD. Roster fines will be incurred by the
offending team. Reasonable explanations may be submitted to the BOD and they will review each case independently. The penalty for double shifting any forward will be a suspension from play for the offending
player for 5 sim games and a fine of $1,000,000.
8.2. Playing Players Out Of Position
Players may NOT play out of position. Roster fines will be incurred by the offending team. The penalty for playing a player out of position if caught will be suspension from play for the offending player for 1 sim
games and a fine of $500,000. The NHLsim stresses the importance of building depth. As in the NHL, teams with great depth win championships. Of note, according to the makers of the simulator, their performance
will be reduced if they play at a position other than that at which they are listed.
8.3. Submitting Team Lines
The essentials of using the editor are as follows; First, download the “League Files” from the NHLsim home page. Unzip the contents of the file to your computer in the directory of your choice. While running the
STHS Client,select “File Open” and open the files for the NHLs. Select your team and from there as it should be pretty sel fexplanatory. Once your lines are set choose “Save Lines”. Do not type in a password; just
click “OK.” Then go to the league website and upload the files via the upload link.
CHAPTER 9: PLAYER RATINGS
9.1. Rating Abbreviations
Player performance is based on their ratings in a variety of skills. The abbreviations are as follows:
Skaters Ratings
CK = Checking
FG = Fighting
DI = Discipline
SK = Skating
ST = Strength
DU = Durability
PH = Puck Handling
FO = Face Offs
PA = Passing
SC = Scoring
DF = Defense
PS = Penaltyshot
EX = Experience
LD = Leadership
MO = Morale
PO = Potential
OV = Overall
Goalies Ratings
SK = Skating
DU = Durability
ST = Strength
SZ = Size
AG = Agility
RB = Rebound Control
SC = Style Control
HS = Hand Speed
RT = Reaction Time
EX = Experience
LD = Leadership
MO = Morale
PO = Potential
OV = Overall
Coaches Ratings
PH = Physical
DF = Defense
OF = Offense
PD = Player Discipline
EX = Experience
LD = Leadership
PO = Potential
9.1.2 Overall Rating
The Overall rating (OV) is a composite of the other ratings shown above. The weighting of these ratings is different for offensive players, defensive players and goaltenders, recognizing their important roles on the
team and the relative value provided. The overall rating will be displayed in the NHLsim. The NHLsim stresses the importance of providing any information to its general managers.
9.2. Re-Rates
The player ratings will be based on NHL performance and / or statistics not based on how well they perform in the simulator. As such, the NHLsim will be using www.simhl.net for its re-rates. Like the Coaches' ratings,
they will be untampered unless there is a gross discrepancy. Then the re-rates will be performed at the discretion of the Commissioner.
9.2.1. Off-Season Re-Rates
During the off-season, all players that played at least 1 NHL game during the past NHL season will be re-rated, some may be re-rated that didn't play an NHL game for various reasons. Players who have appeared in
at least 1 AHL game, or NHL game in the previous season may also be re-rated. The ratings will be based primarily on the previous NHL season but the player's performances from previous NHL seasons may be taken
into account too. To bring consistency to the league from year-to-year, the league will be using simhl.net packet. There will be NO appeals or revisions unless it is grossly obvious which will be at the discretion of the
commissioner and board of directors.
9.2.2. Mid-Season Re-Rates
There are no mid-season re-rates.
.
CHAPTER 10: PLAYER SUSPENSIONS
10.1. Automatic Suspensions
An automatic suspension is sometimes issued immediately after a game by the simulator. The suspension is for a set number of games and the suspended player cannot be dressed until the full suspension has been
served.
10.2. Holdout Suspensions
When a player has no contract with an NHLsim team and they are on a team roster then they will be suspended from playing in any regular season or playoff games. The player will remain suspended until they have
a contract.
CHAPTER 11: TRADES
11.1. Trade Assets
Teams in the NHLsim may trade players under contract, draft picks, prospects, cash, and future considerations*. Teams may not trade unavailing players. If you trade future considerations, they must be clearly stated
what they are. Both teams must submit the trade to the league before the trade can go through. The future considerations cannot be NHL based stipulation.
11.2. Trade Limitations
There are three current trade limitations in the NHLsim.
- First, new GM's will be watched very closely for the first little while to make sure they are making smart trades. This may mean that more of their trades go to the TRB for review.
- Second, a team cannot make a trade that would put them over the salary cap, or put them below the salary floor. Any trade that violates the salary cap/floor, will be rejected right away. If a team is trying to make a
trade that would put them over the cap, they have to make adjustments prior to the deal being sent in for league approval, either by sending down players to the farm, or make another separate deal as needed for
the first trade to go through.
- The third and final limitation is when including future considerations in a trade, they may not suggest that a player in the trade will return to his original team that he was traded by, via another trade or waivers. If
the future considerations do suggest this then the trade is void. Future considerations are also restricted to NHLsim based stipulations. NHL based stipulations are not allowed.
11.3. Trade Review Board
The Trade Review Board (TRB) will consist of 7 GMs from the 30 team league, 3 of which will be members from the Board of Directors (BOD). This board will review trades that have been requested (See below for
rules on requesting a trade review) to be reviewed by any member of the league. The board will pass or veto by majority vote, based on the number of eligible voters. Members involved in a trade may not vote on
their own trade. The mission of this TRB is to ensure that all trades are made in good faith, and that no GM is taken advantage of such that the trade value being returned is grossly inadequate OR severely devalues
the franchise. The board understands there are "winners" and "losers" of trades, not only in the immediate present tense, but also in the future. A veto of a trade will be taken seriously and only used to protect the
value of a franchise. After a voting has ended, the decision will be posted in the message board, with an explanation of their ruling, when possible and appropriate.
Any GM may request a trade to be reviewed by the TRB by posting in the message board (in the appropriate forum) the trade in question within 24 hours from the time it is posted on the NHLsim website. After 24
hours has passed, if no request for review has been made, the trade will pass. The commissioner may request a trade review at any point, even after the 24 hour period has ended.
Current Trade Review Board:
Not available
11.4. Trade Deadline
Towards the end of every regular season there will be a set time where all trading will end until after playoffs, this is called the trade deadline. The deadline is set to be 40th day immediately preceding the final day
of the regular season.
CHAPTER 12: WAIVERS
12.1 Waiver Eligibility
The waiver rules in the NHLsim are based on age and the players’ rating.
12.1.1 Age Limits
Any player who is 25 years old or older, will be placed on waivers if a team sends him down to the farm team. Players who are 18-24 years old can be freely sent to the farm club, unless they exceed the rating limit
(see below). During the off season, waivers are not in affect.
12.1.2 Rating Limits
The day before the start of the regular season (or at a date set by the league), all skaters with a overall rating of 70 or higher, must be on a teams pro roster. After the start of the regular season (and with the activation
of waivers), any player no matter of there rating is allowed to be demoted to the minor league. Regular waiver rules still apply. Goaltenders are not restricted by the rating limit.
12.1.3 NHL One-Way Contracts
If the player in the NHL has a one-way contract, then the NHLsim will honor that contract. Players must first clear waivers. If no team claims him on waivers, then he is assigned to the minor league team.
12.2 Waiver Wire / Claiming a Player
Once a player is placed on the waiver wire, any team may put in a claim him within 24 hours. If two or more teams claim a player, the team who is the highest in the waivers priority list will get the player. If a team
claims a player, he must be added to the pro roster, otherwise he will be placed on waivers. If a player is not claimed in 24 hours, he will go to the original club's farm team.
12.2.1 Waiver Wire Fee
The team that claims a player, will pay $100,000 dollars to the team that put the player on the waiver wire as compensation.
CHAPTER 13: PROSPECTS
13.1 General Information
Each NHLsim team has a prospect list on the leagues website. Players on the prospect list have their rights owned by that particular team but have yet been signed to a pro contract. Teams do not pay anything to
these prospects. Teams may have any player removed from their list at no cost and either added to their unavailing players list or released meaning the player is no longer considered a prospect but rather an
unrestricted free agent (UFA) and can be signed by anyone (provided he qualifies to be signed, see section 16.3).
13.2. Signing A Prospect
Prospects can be signed to an NHLsim contract at any time during the season. For information regarding the structure of a rookie contract, please see section 15.2.1. Upon signing a prospect, the prospect will be
transferred to the farm team where they will play until called up by their parent team. A player must have played at least 1 NHL/AHL game in the current NHL/AHL season (or past NHL/AHL season if it’s the off
season) in order to be eligible for signing.
EXCEPTION: If a team only has 2 goaltenders on their roster, then the team can sign a prospect goaltender without the 1 game of experience. A prospect is signed via the website (player change request and then
Activate Prospect). The prospect will be given his base NHL salary (not cap hit) for the current season and the length of the contract will that of his NHL counterpart.
13.2.1. Prospect Auto-Activation
Any prospect that has played more than 65 combined* NHL/AHL games must be signed before the start of the unrestricted free agent period. Any qualifying prospect not signed when the UFA period starts, will
become an UFA and can be signed by any team in the league. *Not limited to 1 season, or 2 seasons in a row. The 65 games is the players TOTAL number of NHL/AHL games. Regular season and playoffs. Pre-
season and exibition games do NOT count.
13.3 Prospect limit
Teams are not permitted to have more then 50 prospects on there prospect list. Any trades or draft picks that will put a team above the limit, will be voided. Teams must make sure they have room on there prospects
list, before the leagues annual entry draft. Prospects can be released without compensation at any time.
CHAPTER 14: CONTRACTS
14.1. General Information
In order to play for a team, a player must be signed to a contract. Essentially, a player's salary will be exactly the same as their NHL counterpart. It will only be their base salary for that year. We will not be using their
salary cap hit. It will also not include any salary bonus. The only approved sites for these salaries will be the following:
- www.nhlnumbers.com
- www.capgeek.com
For entirety sake, contracts cannot exceed the maximum annual salary (See sec 15.2) or be below the minimum annual salary (See sec 15.3). Contracts cannot be longer than the maximum limit allowed by their
status (see sec 15.4). Contracts will not include stipulations such as a no-trade clause only if they have no-trade clauses in the NHL (See sec 15.5). Signing bonuses can also be offered on certain contracts (see sec
15.6). Contracts must be negotiated with the appropriate NHLSPA representative (see sec 16.1). Players who are on the farm roster are paid 10% of their full contract for the time they are in the minors, unless they
are one-way contracts.
15.2. Maximum Salaries
An NHLsim contract may not exceed the maximum allowed by the CBA. That figure is determined as 20% of the total salary cap for a team.
Season Salary
2011 – 12 $12,860,000
15.2.1 Rookie Maximum Salaries
Prospects may not sign a contract exceeding the rookie maximum, as in the chart below.
Season Salary
2011 – 12 $925,000
15.3. Minimum Salaries
An NHLsim contract must meet the minimum allowed by the CBA.
Season Min-salary
2011 – 12 $525,000
15.4. Contract Lengths
Contract lengths are dependent on the status of their NHL counterpart player as dicated by nhlnumbers or capgeek.com.
15.5. No Trade Clause
No-trade clauses can be offered to any players in the NHLsim. Instead every player who is 28 years or older and signs a new contract longer then 1-year, will be given a 1-year no-trade clause. The 1-year no-trade
clause cannot be waived. The no-trade clause will be removed at the start of the UFA period the following off-season. Players who are 26 years or older, and sign 1-year contracts will be given a “limited” no-trade
clause which will
be in effect until January 1st the following season.
15.6. Signing Bonus
A UFA contract may include a signing bonus, however that bonus may not exceed 25% of the total salary of the contract. This total doesn’t include the bonus. For example: 4 year contract of $2,500,000 per year =
$10,000,000, max signing bonus would be $2,500,000. Coaches, RFA's and Rookie contracts cannot include signing bonuses.
CHAPTER 16: FREE AGENCY
16.1 NHLSPA (NHLsim Player's Association)
The NHLsim Player's Association handles all the leagues financial contracts. The NHLsim will have agent(s) who will be in charge of negotiating contracts for their clients. The agent will act as the player's voice in
negotiations and carefully decide where they would like to sign and why. Players may sign with a team for various reasons such as location, whether the team is a contender, if they have played for the team in the
past, they have someone they know on the team, they need a change of scenery etc., GM's are encouraged to develop a good relationship with the agent(s), or it may hurt their chances at signing players. The only
thing that is set is contract and contract length which is dictated by their NHL counterpart.
16.1.1 Player Agents
The NHLsim has multiple agents that share the responsibilities. The Western Conference Player Agent will always be a GM from the Eastern Conference, and the Eastern Conference Player Agent will always be a
GM from the Western Conference. One of the commissioners or his designee will be the UFA Player agent, as well as the Coaching Agent.
Current NHLsim Agents:
- to be announced
16.2 Types Of Free Agents
There are two types of free agents, restricted free agents (RFA's) and unrestricted free agents (UFA's). They will try to obtain an objective look and emulate the player's NHL counterpart desire (ie. type of team the
player is looking for as well as playing time etc.).
16.2.1 Restricted Free Agent Definition
In general, they will emulate that of the NHL. Players whose contracts expire who do not qualify for unrestricted free agency can have their free agent rights restricted by their former club. If another team signs a RFA
then compensation will be provided to the player's former team (See sec 16.6). In order to keep the right of first refusal and be entitled to draft choice compensation the player must be offered a qualifying offer by
his team. In order to qualify a player the team must offer the player in question them same salary amount the player earned in his previous contract. The qualifying offer must be made before the start of the UFA
period, or else the player in question will become an unrestricted free agent.
16.2.1.2 RFA Qualifying offer
A team can only offer the RFA his NHL counterpart offer. If that NHL player has yet to sign, the NHLsim team cannot sign that player. Therefore, if that player in the NHL holdsout, then he will also hold out in the
NHLsim.
16.2.2 Unrestricted Free Agent Definition
An unrestricted free agent (UFA) in the NHLsim is defined by that of the NHL. Therefore, every off-season, the UFA eligible will be the same as the NHL's off-season. A team can have the opportunity to sign a UFA, if
that UFA also re-signs before the July 1st deadline. They can only sign that UFA to his NHL counterpart contract.
16.3 Signing Unrestricted Free Agents (UFA)
A players who is without contract and whose rights are not owned by any team qualifies as a UFA and is free to sign with any team.
16.3.1 Acquiring a new player
Any player who has played at least 1 NHL game in the past 2 NHL season, and has played in the AHL during the last season (should they not have appeared in the NHL in the previous season) and it not listed on any
team's prospect list, signed to an NHL contract, retired from the NHL, or eligible for the NHLsim Draft, can be acquired by any team at any time, except during times where new free agent signings are not allowed.
16.3.2 UFA Ages
The UFA will emulate that of the NHL.
16.3.3. Off-Season Unrestricted Free Agency
Off-season unrestricted free agency is for any player qualifying for UFA status based on his age (see sec 16.3.2) on July 1st of the year the free agency begins, and whose current contract has expired. Any team can
sign UFA’s without compensation to the former team. The process will be very much like the NHL. GM's will be able to send in offers on the day Free Agency begins (determined by the commissioners) to the
unrestricted free agents and the NHLSPA agent(s) will begin negotiations. A free agent can only be offerred once his NHL counterpart has signed an NHL contract. EXCEPTION: In the event that a UFA is not signed
to his NHL counterpart salary and length, then he can be signed to a maximum of 1 year of his NHL contract salary. At the end of that one year, he will become a UFA.
16.3.4. In-Season Unrestricted Free Agency
In-season unrestricted free agency is for players qualifying for UFA status based on his age (see sec 16.3.2). Most often this will include undrafted NHL rookies. This process will ensure that all teams have opportunity
to sign the player, but preference will go to the weakest NHLS teams to ensure that assets are available to all teams. The following process will be used to sign and distribute the player(s). Teams interested in making
an offer to the UFA player should make the UFA agent aware of their interest by emailing the agent. This email showing interest should be done within 5 days of the player making his debut in the NHL.(For example,
if player X plays his first NHL game on February 2nd, he may not make his decision until February 7th.)
The UFA Agent Panel will examine each interested team, and award the player based on a collection of variables, including but not limited to, team need, playing time available @ pro level and/or @ farm level,
previous UFA signings in the current season. In rare cases where teams are judged to be ‘pretty equal in their need for the player’ a random team will be selected by unscientific means. (think - drawing from a hat)
The result will be recorded, and should another player come available favoritism will be warded to the team(s) who did not receive the previous player(s). When a team is finally selected, that team will receive the
rights the UFA player. The contract and terms will be determined by what the player has received for a contract in the NHL. www.capgeek.com will be used to determine the contract.
16.4. Signing Restricted Free Agents (RFA)
Players whose contracts expire but who do not qualify for unrestricted free agency (i.e. they are under the UFA age, see sec 16.3.2) are restricted free agents, meaning they remain property of their current club. This
means
that these players may sign with another club, however there are restrictions. RFA’s may not sign a contract with another team until the start of the free agency period (announced by the commissioner each off
season). If
another team signs the player, the restrictions are that the player's former team has the right to either match the offer (the player automatically returns to his former team with the new contract), or take compensation
from the
new team.
16.4.1. RFA (Restricted Free Agent) Compensation
It will be dictated as that of the NHL. When a team loses a RFA to another team then they are entitled to compensation.
Salary Range Compensation
$1,034,249 and below No compensation
$1,034,250 to $1,567,043 Third-round pick
$1,567,044 to $3,134,088 Second-round pick
$3,134,089 to $4,701,131 First- and third-round pick
$4,701,132 to $6,268,175 First-, second-, and third round pick
$6,268,176 to $7,835,219 Two first-round picks and a second- and third-round pick
$7,835,220 and above Four first-round picks
16.4.2 RFA Compensation Pick Rules
The team that signs a player to an offer-sheet, can only do so if they have the draft picks that match the compensation (see above), otherwise the offer sheet is voided. The draft picks must be the offering team’s
original picks. The draft picks must also be available in the upcoming draft. If the compensation is two 1st round draft picks, then they must be in sequential years.
16.4.3 Other RFA Compensation
Once an offer-sheet is ruled valid, the two teams are free to negotiate the compensation. The negotiated compensation will then be reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors (BOD).
16.4.4 RFA Trade Restrictions
If a team decides to match the offer sheet made to one of their players, they are not allowed to trade that player for one (1) season.
16.4.5 RFA Salary Arbitration.
RFA salary arbitration will be dictacted by that of the NHL counterpart.
16.5 Newly Signed Player Assignment
Any player that is signed (no matter what age, or rating), will be placed on the farm roster of the signing team, without the need to pass through waivers first. Note that this only applies to players who haven't played a
game yet. If the player has played a game, then he must pass through waivers.
CHAPTER 17: GENERAL MANAGER RATINGS
17.1. General Information
Off-season gm ratings are not in effect in the NHLsim.
CHAPTER 18: FINANCES
18.1. General Information
One of your goals as GM of an NHLsim franchise is to make sure the franchise remains financially sound. All teams starts out with $10,000,000. In the event of League Expansion new franchises would be awarded
$10,000,000
start up funds. Franchises gain money by selling tickets and they must sell enough tickets to pay for their expenses. Team expenses include but are not limited to pro and farm payrolls, coach salary, prospect fees and
more.
18.2. SALARY CAP & SALARY FLOOR
The salary cap in the NHLsim is the same as the NHL salary cap, and adjusts year to year. Salary cap expense is pro salaries only. During the off-season there is no salary cap in the NHLsim. The NHLsim cap is then
activated at the first day of the NHLsim regular season. If a team fails to meet the salary cap requirement at the start of the season, there are penalties. The NHLsim also have a salary floor which all teams must be
over during the regular season.The salary cap and the salary floor are both announced in time for the start of the regular season. If the caps are not announced at the time of the regular season, then the league will
hand out no fines. (the Sim software will not run if a team is over or under the cap, thus the severe penalty structure.)
18.2.1 Salary Cap Limits
Season Salary Cap
2011 – 12 $64,300,000
2012-13 TBD
18.2.2 Salary Floor Limits
Season Salary Floor
2011 – 12 $48,300,000
2012-13 TBD
18.2.3 Exceeding Salary Cap Penalty
Cap Penalty, Start of Regular Season
If a team is over the cap at the first day of the NHLsim regular season then the following penalties apply:
1. Team is fined $10,000,000
2. Highest paid player released (continues until team is under cap) Cap Penalty,
During the Season if a team goes over the cap after the start of the regular season but before the end of the playoffs:
Day 1 – Team is fined $2,000,000
Day 2 – Team is fined $3,000,000
Day 3 – Team is fined $5,000,000
Day 4 – Highest paid player released (continues until team is under cap)
18.2.4 Falling Below Salary Floor Penalty
Floor Penalty, Start of Regular Season
If a team is under the floor at the first day of the NHLsim regular season then the following penalties apply:
1. Team is fined $10,000,000
2. Highest paid player contract multiplied by 1.5 (continues until team is over floor)
Floor Penalty, During the Season
If a team goes over the cap after the start of the regular season but before the end of the playoffs:
Day 1 – Team is fined $2,000,000
Day 2 – Team is fined $3,000,000
Day 3 – Team is fined $5,000,000
Day 4 – Highest paid player contract multiplied by 1.5 (continues until team is over floor)
18.3. Generating Revenue
Teams will earn revenue by selling tickets to their games. The amount a team earns depends on the arena size, attendance, and ticket prices. Ticket prices can be changed any time during the regular season.
Attendance will
be based on whether a team is playing well and if the team has any star players for the fans to watch play.
18.3.1. Special Achievement Bonus
There will be special achievement bonuses given out at the end of each NHLsim season. Specific dollar amounts will not be revealed until the end of the season but money will be given out to GM's who are active
on the
message board and MSN messenger, GM's who send in lines and answer their e-mails on a regular basis. Money will also be given out for GM's who help the league out in any way with articles or other tasks. Prize
money will also be given out to teams that win any kind of league award.
18.4. Teams in Financial Distress
A team in financial distress is one that may be in danger of becoming bankrupt. The Commissioners will be keeping a close eye on finances and if they see a GM who is not handling their money wisely they will be
warned to correct the problem. If the problem is not getting corrected or starts to get worse then the GM at fault may be subject to dismissal.
CHAPTER 19: DRAFTS
19.1. General Information
Drafts will usually be held on MSN messenger chat). If a GM cannot make it to a draft then it is up to them to make arrangements to send in a draft list to one of the Commissioners or have someone draft for them. If a
GM does not make these arrangements then a Commissioner or BOD member can draft for them, and it will not be best player available.
19.1.1. Draft Etiquette
One of the biggest issues with organizing a draft is that GM's often fail to follow instructions. If the draft is scheduled for 11am EST then be there ready to go 5-10 minutes early. Do not bother showing up for 10
minutes
then leaving for 20 then popping in for 5 etc., this only creates confusion. If you can't be on for 30 minutes straight then we instead suggest that you send in a draft list. When it is your turn to choose, you can send a
personal
message to the person(s) in charge and they will announce your pick for you in the draft channel. Teams must make selections in a timely manner otherwise a Commissioner will make the pick for them.
19.2. Entry Draft
The entry draft will occur in the off-season. Only players that were drafted in the NHL entry draft will be included in the NHLsim entry draft. The entry draft will be a full 7 rounds. GM's will be allowed to trade during
this
draft. The draft order will follow the same order as the NHL, with the non-playoff teams entering a draft lottery. The draft lottery only affects the first round of the draft, all other rounds will be in reverse order of the
previous
NHLsim points standings for those teams in the lottery.
19.2.1. Entry Draft Lottery
The NHLsim entry draft lottery will emulate the same format as that of the NHL> For all the non-playoff teams there will be a draft lottery held, done automatically by the simulator. The team who finished the season
in last place will have the best odds of selecting first, the second to last team will have the second best odds and so on. The lottery is to determine who will draft first overall.
Teams who finish 26th–30th in the standings can move up a maximum of 4 spots therefore any of these teams have a shot at selecting first overall.
Teams who finish 17th– 25th can move up a maximum of 4 spots therefore none of the teams have a chance of selecting first overall.
Here are the odds of selecting first for non-playoff teams:
Position Pct
30th 25.%
29th 18.8%
28th 14.2&
27th 10.7%
26th 8.1%
25th 6.2%
24th 4.7%
23rd 3.6%
22nd 2.7%
21st 2.1%
20th 1.5%
19th 1.1%
18th 0.8%
17th 0.5%
19.3. WAIVER DRAFT
The Waiver Draft is not in effect.
19.4. EXPANSION DRAFT
The NHLsim will expand in the first off-season following an NHL expansion. Existing clubs may choose either of the following protection plans:
1, Up to 5 defensemen, 9 forwards, and 1 goaltender or
2, Up to 4 defensemen, 8 forwards, and 2 goaltenders
Each club must expose for claim at least the following players who meet the experience requirements indicated below:
• One Goaltender - For teams protecting one goaltender, no experience requirement is necessary. For teams protecting two goaltenders, one of the goalies must have at least 15 games of experience in the NHLsim
league. Games played include regular season and playoff games.
• One Experienced Defenseman - A defenseman who has at least 40 NHLsim games of experience. Games played include regular season and playoff games.
• Two Experienced Forwards - Two forwards who have at least 40 NHL games of experience each. Games played include regular season and playoff games.
19.5. Dispersal Draft
If the Commissioners feel an NHLsim team or teams have become too weak, or a team that has become vacant is extremely strong, then a dispersal draft may be proposed. The dispersal draft is not to be used lightly,
and is not
the preferred method of strengthening teams. The rules and stipulations will be made by the Commissioners and every GM will be given a fair amount of time to prepare for the draft.
19.5.1 Inaugural Dispersal Draft (2011)
The NHLsim inaugural dispersal draft will be conducted as follows:
- The draft will consist of two separate drafts: Player Dispersal Draft and Prospect Dispersal Draft. The Prospect draft will follow after the Player Dispersal draft.
- Player Dispersal Draft consisting of 25 rounds. Prospect Draft will consist of 15 rounds.
- Only players with an active NHL/AHL contract (as of October 7, 2011) are eligible in the Inaugural Dispersal draft as of October 7, 2011.
- Only players listed in the NHLsim official player list can be selected.
* If there are any discrepancy (ie. mispelled name, omitted names, players etc), please contact the commissioner so that the necessary changes can be made.
- To be eligible for Player Dispersal Draft, a player has played more than 25 games in any preceding NHL season or in six or more games in each of any two preceding seasons in the NHL.
- To be eligible for the Prospect Dispersal Draft, the player must not be older than 26 years before September 15, 2011. In addition, he cannot have played more than 25 games in any single preceding NHL season
nor in six or more games in each of any two preceding seasons in any major professional league. In addition, he must be eligible for NHL draft.
- If a player cannot be placed in the Prospect Dispersal Draft as outlined above, he will be placed in the Player Dispersal Draft.
- A lottery will be conducted to determine the player dispersal draft order. The method of the draft will be at the discretion of the Commissioner, but announced prior to its execution.
- Prospect draft order will be the reverse order of the player dispersal draft.
- Contract salary and lengths will be the same as that of their NHL counterparts.
- Players not selected at the end of the draft will become UFAs and will be UFA rules as listed in 16.3.
- Draft will be conducted in a snake like fashion. For example, a team that drafts 3rd pick in the 1st round will draft 28th in the 2nd round.
- No trading of any assets will be allowed during the draft. The trade freeze will be in effect until announced by the commissioner.
- The draft will either be conducted live through a MSN messenger chat or via a GM sent list. Results will be posted on the forum.
- Teams that have missed their pick (ie. not present during a live draft or did not submit a list in a timely fashion) in a particular round will be allowed to make their pick at any point during that round until that round
ends. At the end of the round, the commissioner will select on behalf that team.
- In the event, that a team has been vacated. The commissioner will select on behalf of the vacated team.
19.6. Contraction Draft
The contraction draft is a tool the commissioners can use if they feel the league is unjust, and if a team is unable to compete in any way shape or form. The NHLsim will contract in the first offseason following an
NHL contraction or if the Co- Commissioners feel a contraction is needed in the NHL. If there is still a GM on a team that needs to be contracted then that GM will either be let go, temporarily out of work until
another GM spot opens up or contraction will be put on hold.A contraction draft will be held in the off-season. The team or teams that are being contracted will have all their assets put into the draft including roster
players, prospects, draft picks and any other players or coaches that they may own the rights to. The draft order will be a reverse order of the previous NHL season standings and the draft will continue until all the
assets have been selected. However, in case if the NHL does contract, dispersal of the defunct team will be conducted in similar fashion as that of the NHL.
CHAPTER 20: SPECIAL EVENTS
** The 2012 All-Star and Young Stars Game will be cancelled in attempt to catch up to the NHL season.
20.1. ALL-STAR Game
Each season, between the 30-50 game mark (per team) the NHLsim will host an All-Star game at the same time as the NHL. The city that will host the All-Star game will be the same as the NHL for that current
season. There will be a break in the schedule to allow for the game to take place. There will be two All-Star teams, an East and a West. Each team will be made up of at least 3 players at each forward position plus
3 other forwards at any position, 6 defensemen and 2 goalies. Each NHLsim team must have at least one representative at the All-Star game. There will also be 1 coach selected from each conference to coach the
teams. Lines will be made by the Commissioners. Any stats that are cumulated in the game will be separate from regular season stats.
20.2. YOUNG-STARS Game
Each season, between the 30-50 game mark (per team), the NHLsim will host a Young-Stars game, a day or two before the All-Star game takes place. The same city hosting the All-Star game, will also host the
Young-Stars
game. There will be a break in the schedule to allow for the game to take place. There will be two Young-Stars teams, an East and a West. Each team will be made up of at least 3 players at each forward position
plus 3 other
forwards at any position, 6 defensemen and 2 goalies. Players participating in the Young-Stars game must be 24 years old or younger. Participants in the Young-Stars game are also allowed to play in the All-Star
game. All NHLsim Lteams do not have to be represented. There will also be 1 coach selected from each conference to coach the teams. Lines will be made by the commissioners. Any stats that are cumulated in
the game will be separate from regular season stats. The NHLsim can also decide to skip the Young-Stars game if time permits the game from being played at a high standard.
20.3. Awards
At the end of each NHLsim season, awards will be handed out. Some awards will be automatically given (Art Ross Trophy, William M. Jennings Trophy, Presidents Trophy etc..) but the majority will be handed out by
the
Commissioners (GM of the Year, Lady, Byng Trophy, James Norris Trophy, Conn Smythe Trophy etc..). Teams will be rewarded money for each award, see chapter 18.3.2.
CHAPTER 21: NHLs Minor League (AHLsim)
21.1 General Information
The AHLsim is the minor league for the NHLsim. Each NHLsim team is affiliated with 1 AHLsim team and has rights to all of their players. The NHLsim minor teams will play on the same days as their NHLsim
affiliates and they will play against the same organization
CHAPTER 22: DISCLAIMER
22.1 Note
The NHLsim CBA is subject to review at any time and can be changed at any time. When anything in the CBA has changed, all GM's will be notified.
1.1. Code of Conduct
The NHLsim code of conduct applies to both people in league management positions and general managers. Each general manager must act in an appropriate manner towards one another. Treat others as you
would want to be treated. Be polite and courteous to other members, whether it is on the message board, over instant messenger, or through email. Every conversation, discussion, or argument should be handled in
a professional manner.
Any type of collusion, cheating or other similar activity will not be tolerated by any member of the league. Any member found to be involved in any such activity will be immediately removed from the league.
Disciplinary action, including removal from the league, will be levied against any member of the NHLsim who does not abide the NHLsim code of conduct policy in its entirety.
CHAPTER 2: COMISSIONERS
2.1. Commissioners
There is currently only one commissioner. Commissioners may be added or removed as the league office deems necessary. All Commissioners have an equal say in league matters and may not over-rule another, as
well as an equal responsibility for league operations.
2.2 Current Commissioner(s)
Jason Yu - Commissioner - EDM
CHAPTER 3: LEAGUE SIMULATOR
3.1. STHS Simulator
NHLSim uses the STHS Simulator V.2 (Simon T Hockey Simulator). The league may update versions of the simulator at any given time, without notice.
CHAPTER 4: BOARD OF DIRECTORS
4.1. General Information
The Board of Directors (BOD) will be selected by the Commissioner(s) of the NHLsim. Commissioners are also members of the BOD. The BOD will be called upon to help make important decisions,such as propose
and vote on changes to rules and/or league policies, or weigh in on various issues that arise. The BOD members are expected to act as leaders and good role models for the rest of the GM's. BOD members will be
held to the highest standards of the NHLsim in both the conduct policy and activity.
4.2 Current BOD Members
The current BOD Members are:
Jason Yu - Commissioner - EDM
CHAPTER 5: GENERAL MANAGER OPERATIONS
5.1. Duties
As a General Manager in the NHLsim you have some specific duties that should be done on a regular basis. The duties include but are not limited to; active participation in the league (See sec 5.2 Participation)
sending in lines, making trades to improve your franchise, signing players, balancing your franchise's finances, including operating above even and keeping within the roster limitations. If you frequently do not live
up to your duties then you are subject to dismissal.
5.2. Participation
Reading and posting on the message board is mandatory. A lot of important information is on the message board along with some great discussions. If you do not keep up with the message board then you will miss
things, the message board is a huge part of the league and that cannot be stressed enough. Checking and replying to e-mail is also very important, it's expected that you check e-mail at least once every 48 hours.
Again if you frequently do not live up to these expectations then you will be subject to dismissal. Being active and social around the league are just as important as your GM duties. You must have MSN messenger
and use it to be in the . (Many instant messaging applications exist (ie Trillian, Digsby, AdiumX) that incorporate other services as well, however we will require each GM to have a registered MSN messenger
account. Instant Messenger is a very important communication tool and a lot of fun can be had talking to other GM's. MSN messenger is simply the league chosen IM network.
Writing team articles is an effective means of communicating to the league your team’s direction, or plans. Articles are also a way to make the league entertaining. Whether you are confident in your writing skills or
not an article on the forum (message board) site from time to time is not only solid participation, but shows visitors to the league site who are not currently GMs, that the NHLsim is an active, competitive, and
entertaining league. Every week the commissioner will select the article of the week which will be posted as the main website.
5.3. Leave Of Absence
There will obviously be exceptions made to GM duties and participation as long as notice is given. If you are studying for exams, have a ton of homework, going on vacation, injured, getting married etc.. then
obviously you will not be able to fulfill your duties. Post your particular situation on the “Vacations and Problems” thread on the board to notify the league of any absence. If a GM is gone for a lot longer than they
stated, gone for a while without any notice or is frequently too busy then each case will be looked at individually and they may be subject to dismissal.
5.4. Switching Teams
When a GM leaves the league for any reason then their former team may become available to anyone in the league who wants to switch teams. This will be treated on a case by case basis by the commissioner(s).
However someone from outside of the league may take over the team, current NHLsim GM's do not get priority. The decision of who gets the team will be left to the Commissioners.
5.5. Complaints
To file a complaint about anything going on in the league you can e-mail a Commissioner or privately get in touch with the league in another way (through email, private message on the board, instant message,
etc). Complaints are not to be posted on the message board at all. If you have any concerns they will be dealt with professionally and privately. Violating this policy will result in disciplinary action, up to and
including dismissal.
CHAPTER 6: COACHES
6.1. General Information
Coaches will have an effect on a team's play. Only coaches or assistant coaches currently active in the NHL, AHL and CHL are eligible to be coaches in the NHLsim. Only coaches in the active coach list can be
signed. To sbumit a coach, send an e-mail to the commissioner and the coach will be added to the list including his ratings.
Ratings will come from www.simhl.net. There will be no re-rates/revisions unless there is gross discrepancy. Then it will be left to the discretion of the Commissioner(s).
When a coach is no longer a coach in the NHL/AHL/CHL (ie. fired, resigned, retirement), that coach will retire from NHLsim in the following off-season. Coaches can be signed signed only as long as their NHL/AHL
counterpart.
6.1.1 Roster Requirements for Coaches Each team must hire a pro coach and a minor league coach. Failure to do so before the start of the regular season will result in a fine due to having an invalid roster (see
7.3).
6.2. Making Coaching Changes
Coaches may be fired at anytime, however they must be paid 80% of their entire contract immediately by their former club. As soon as a coach is fired, one must be signed and hired at the same time. Any coach on
the coaches list who is not signed with another team may be hired. New coaches may be added to the list at any time at the discretion of the commissioners or coaching agent. Coaches who retire in the NHL, will
finish the current NHLsim season. The coach will then retire the following NHLsim off-season. If a coach retires in the NHL during the NHLsim off-season then he retires immediately from the NHLsim. Once a coach
retires from the NHLsim, He forfeits his pay and his contract is voided.
6.2a Making an Offer to the Minors Coach of another club
As a coach’s style can have an impact on your teams play, and locking up name coaches to minor league posts is a possibility. The NHLsim established the following provision for hiring a coach away from another
team’s minors league affiliate. Should a major team be in the market for a new Head Coach, The GM of said team may ask for permission to speak with another team's Minor League Head Coach / Agent. [A Teams
NHLsim Head Coach is NOT a tradable Asset at this time.] Should a deal be worked out with the Coach’s Agent, then suitable will be paid by the team signing the Coach, and then the Coach will be promoted to the
NHLsim team that has negotiated a contract terms. The GM of the current owning team will have no part in the contract negotiations.
Suitable compensation is deemed as at least:
• a 4th round draft selection in the next draft.
• $750,000
• other compensation of greater value may be negotiated between the two teams. However, this is not to be a sticking point.
**If the 2 teams cannot come to an agreement, then the compensation will be a 4th round pick in the next draft, or $750,000 should the pick be unavailable.
Compensation is only awarded AFTER the coach's agent and the new team agree on the contract terms. If no agreement is reached, nothing changes hands.
If a team receives a request for permission, should they want to retain the coach, they will have to promote him to NHLsim and pay the normal contract buyout to their current coach.
**A team may NOT decline permission. The granting of permission is merely a formality, so that the current team holding the right to the coach is aware that negotiations will begin. If multiple teams ask for
permission, then the coach’s agent will attempt to acquire the best deal for his client, much like a UFA.
6.3 Acquiring a coach on an outgoing contract
Upon entering the off-season, when all contracts are advanced 1 year, coaches on outgoing contracts can be approached by other teams after they have gained permission from the current team. When a contract
has been reached the compensation of a 5th round draft pick in the next entry draft, will be transfered from the 'buying' team.
If the team acquiring the coach, doesn't have a 5th round pick in the next entry draft, a 5th round pick from the following entry draft will be used as compensation. The maximum number of years ahead is 3 years.
So if the team acquiring the coach doesn't have a 5th round pick in either of the 3 upcoming drafts, the team cannot sign the coach.
Note that the team that holds the coach contract, have the right to say no to any approaching teams if they want to try and re-sign the coach themselves or if they are content in letting the coach walk at the start of
the UFA Period. Coaches still under contract cannot be traded. Only coaches with outgoing contracts can be obtained via a trade.
Teams interested in trading for a coach on an outgoing contract, send contract offer to coach's agent. The agent will then contact the team holding the coachs contract, and seek permission. If permission is
granted, the agent will begin negotiation with the team/teams who made the offer/s to the coach in question. If no permission is granted, the team/s interested in the coach will be contacted about the decision.
CHAPTER 7: TEAM ROSTER
7.1. Roster Restrictions
Teams must have a minimum of 20 active, non-injured players on their parent club roster at all times. Of these, At least 4 must be listed at each forward position (C, RW, LW), at least 6 must be listed at defense, and
at least 2 must be goaltenders. Compliance with this rule can be assured by frequently sending in lines via the GM Editor. Teams are highly encouraged to have 3+ goalies signed to NHLsim contracts in case one is
injured. A maximum of 5 goalies may be on a team’s roster, 3 of which may be on the team’s active pro roster at any one time. (This does not include prospects.)
Teams may have a maximum of 23 active, non injured players on their pro roster at any one time during the regular season and playoffs. Teams may have an unlimited amount of players on their pro roster during
preseason. Teams may have a maximum of 50 players signed to NHLsim contracts (between pro and farm rosters).
Each team must also have a pro coach and a minor league coach (see 6.1.1).
7.2. Goalie Restrictions
Teams are only allowed to play a goalie for up to 72 games (IE appearances in games) or 4,320 minutes during the course of the regular season. If a goalie plays a 73rd game then the said goalie is suspended for
the rest of the regular season (which would be a maximum of 10 games) and if the team makes the playoffs, the entire 1st round of the playoffs.
7.3. Fines
Failure to comply with the roster requirements will result in a fine of $2,000,000 for the first violation of the CBA and $5,000,000 for each subsequent violation of the CBA. Reoccurring violations of the roster
requirements by avGM will be considered a violation of the GMs responsibilities and be susceptible to disciplinary action.
7.4. Switching A Player’s Position
You may switch a player's position at any time. You must provide proof that the player has played the position you want them changed to by providing a Commissioner with a valid link that shows the player at that
position. The link must come from one of the NHLsim approved sites.
Approved sites:
www.tsn.ca
www.NHL.com
www.forecaster.ca
www.theStar.com
7.5. Buying out a player
A team may terminate a player's contract at anytime, however the team is obligated to pay the player's full remaining contract as one lump sum at the time of termination. This process is referred to as "buying-out"
the remaining life of the contract. At the point of termination, the player becomes an unrestricted free agent (UFA) regardless of age. If the player is currently retired from the NHL at the time of the buyout, then the
player will be removed from the sim, and added to the unavailing list under property of UFA’s.
7.5.1 Re-signing a bought-out player
Teams are not allowed to release a player and then re-sign him to a new contract. If a team buys out a player, that player is not allowed to re-sign with that until the following off-season when free agecny opens. The
other 29 teams are allowed to try and sign the player as a unrestricted free agent.
7.6. Team Roster, Rookie Status
To qualify to be a rookie, the skater/goalie must be 26 years old or younger at the start of the NHLsim season. A skater remains a rookie for the first 24 NHLsim pro games, on their 25th game they give up rookie status
for the next season. A goalie remains a rookie for the first 26 NHLsim pro games, on their 27th game they give up rookie status for the next season. However anyone who starts a season as a rookie remains a rookie
until the end of that season.
7.7 ‘Stashing Players’ in the Minors
Some team General Managers may find the need to bury over priced, underperforming players in the minors to remain under the salary cap, or within roster limits. This is not at all against the rules of the league.
However, at their discretion the players may request a trade through their agent. The GM must then attempt to trade the player to a team that will keep the player on their active pro roster.
CHAPTER 8: TEAM LINES
8.1. Line Restrictions
As discussed in section 7.1, functional lines must include dressing 20 active, non-injured players. Again, of these, at least 4 must be listed at each forward position (C, RW, LW), at least 6 must be listed at defense,
and 2 must be goaltenders. A GM must submit the best lines as they possibly can or at least within reason. If any team is caught using lines that considerably hurt their team's chances of winning then it will be
grounds for dismissal. The commissioners will use their discretion to monitor the lines and make sure no teams are throwing games.
8.2. ‘Double Shifting’ Players
In order to address what is perceived as an ineffectiveness of the Simulation Software, a restriction on double shifting players is in place. 1 Forward player, playing on a team's 1st, 2nd, or 3rd line, may NOT be
double shifted on a team’s 4th line. 2 Defensemen may however be double shifted for form a team’s 4th D pairing. Because this double shifting cannot be controlled by the simulator, this must be monitored
manually. Should your team play a team, and the results would indicate that the opponent has double shifted more than 1 forward, on purpose. An email need be sent to the BOD. Roster fines will be incurred by the
offending team. Reasonable explanations may be submitted to the BOD and they will review each case independently. The penalty for double shifting any forward will be a suspension from play for the offending
player for 5 sim games and a fine of $1,000,000.
8.2. Playing Players Out Of Position
Players may NOT play out of position. Roster fines will be incurred by the offending team. The penalty for playing a player out of position if caught will be suspension from play for the offending player for 1 sim
games and a fine of $500,000. The NHLsim stresses the importance of building depth. As in the NHL, teams with great depth win championships. Of note, according to the makers of the simulator, their performance
will be reduced if they play at a position other than that at which they are listed.
8.3. Submitting Team Lines
The essentials of using the editor are as follows; First, download the “League Files” from the NHLsim home page. Unzip the contents of the file to your computer in the directory of your choice. While running the
STHS Client,select “File Open” and open the files for the NHLs. Select your team and from there as it should be pretty sel fexplanatory. Once your lines are set choose “Save Lines”. Do not type in a password; just
click “OK.” Then go to the league website and upload the files via the upload link.
CHAPTER 9: PLAYER RATINGS
9.1. Rating Abbreviations
Player performance is based on their ratings in a variety of skills. The abbreviations are as follows:
Skaters Ratings
CK = Checking
FG = Fighting
DI = Discipline
SK = Skating
ST = Strength
DU = Durability
PH = Puck Handling
FO = Face Offs
PA = Passing
SC = Scoring
DF = Defense
PS = Penaltyshot
EX = Experience
LD = Leadership
MO = Morale
PO = Potential
OV = Overall
Goalies Ratings
SK = Skating
DU = Durability
ST = Strength
SZ = Size
AG = Agility
RB = Rebound Control
SC = Style Control
HS = Hand Speed
RT = Reaction Time
EX = Experience
LD = Leadership
MO = Morale
PO = Potential
OV = Overall
Coaches Ratings
PH = Physical
DF = Defense
OF = Offense
PD = Player Discipline
EX = Experience
LD = Leadership
PO = Potential
9.1.2 Overall Rating
The Overall rating (OV) is a composite of the other ratings shown above. The weighting of these ratings is different for offensive players, defensive players and goaltenders, recognizing their important roles on the
team and the relative value provided. The overall rating will be displayed in the NHLsim. The NHLsim stresses the importance of providing any information to its general managers.
9.2. Re-Rates
The player ratings will be based on NHL performance and / or statistics not based on how well they perform in the simulator. As such, the NHLsim will be using www.simhl.net for its re-rates. Like the Coaches' ratings,
they will be untampered unless there is a gross discrepancy. Then the re-rates will be performed at the discretion of the Commissioner.
9.2.1. Off-Season Re-Rates
During the off-season, all players that played at least 1 NHL game during the past NHL season will be re-rated, some may be re-rated that didn't play an NHL game for various reasons. Players who have appeared in
at least 1 AHL game, or NHL game in the previous season may also be re-rated. The ratings will be based primarily on the previous NHL season but the player's performances from previous NHL seasons may be taken
into account too. To bring consistency to the league from year-to-year, the league will be using simhl.net packet. There will be NO appeals or revisions unless it is grossly obvious which will be at the discretion of the
commissioner and board of directors.
9.2.2. Mid-Season Re-Rates
There are no mid-season re-rates.
.
CHAPTER 10: PLAYER SUSPENSIONS
10.1. Automatic Suspensions
An automatic suspension is sometimes issued immediately after a game by the simulator. The suspension is for a set number of games and the suspended player cannot be dressed until the full suspension has been
served.
10.2. Holdout Suspensions
When a player has no contract with an NHLsim team and they are on a team roster then they will be suspended from playing in any regular season or playoff games. The player will remain suspended until they have
a contract.
CHAPTER 11: TRADES
11.1. Trade Assets
Teams in the NHLsim may trade players under contract, draft picks, prospects, cash, and future considerations*. Teams may not trade unavailing players. If you trade future considerations, they must be clearly stated
what they are. Both teams must submit the trade to the league before the trade can go through. The future considerations cannot be NHL based stipulation.
11.2. Trade Limitations
There are three current trade limitations in the NHLsim.
- First, new GM's will be watched very closely for the first little while to make sure they are making smart trades. This may mean that more of their trades go to the TRB for review.
- Second, a team cannot make a trade that would put them over the salary cap, or put them below the salary floor. Any trade that violates the salary cap/floor, will be rejected right away. If a team is trying to make a
trade that would put them over the cap, they have to make adjustments prior to the deal being sent in for league approval, either by sending down players to the farm, or make another separate deal as needed for
the first trade to go through.
- The third and final limitation is when including future considerations in a trade, they may not suggest that a player in the trade will return to his original team that he was traded by, via another trade or waivers. If
the future considerations do suggest this then the trade is void. Future considerations are also restricted to NHLsim based stipulations. NHL based stipulations are not allowed.
11.3. Trade Review Board
The Trade Review Board (TRB) will consist of 7 GMs from the 30 team league, 3 of which will be members from the Board of Directors (BOD). This board will review trades that have been requested (See below for
rules on requesting a trade review) to be reviewed by any member of the league. The board will pass or veto by majority vote, based on the number of eligible voters. Members involved in a trade may not vote on
their own trade. The mission of this TRB is to ensure that all trades are made in good faith, and that no GM is taken advantage of such that the trade value being returned is grossly inadequate OR severely devalues
the franchise. The board understands there are "winners" and "losers" of trades, not only in the immediate present tense, but also in the future. A veto of a trade will be taken seriously and only used to protect the
value of a franchise. After a voting has ended, the decision will be posted in the message board, with an explanation of their ruling, when possible and appropriate.
Any GM may request a trade to be reviewed by the TRB by posting in the message board (in the appropriate forum) the trade in question within 24 hours from the time it is posted on the NHLsim website. After 24
hours has passed, if no request for review has been made, the trade will pass. The commissioner may request a trade review at any point, even after the 24 hour period has ended.
Current Trade Review Board:
Not available
11.4. Trade Deadline
Towards the end of every regular season there will be a set time where all trading will end until after playoffs, this is called the trade deadline. The deadline is set to be 40th day immediately preceding the final day
of the regular season.
CHAPTER 12: WAIVERS
12.1 Waiver Eligibility
The waiver rules in the NHLsim are based on age and the players’ rating.
12.1.1 Age Limits
Any player who is 25 years old or older, will be placed on waivers if a team sends him down to the farm team. Players who are 18-24 years old can be freely sent to the farm club, unless they exceed the rating limit
(see below). During the off season, waivers are not in affect.
12.1.2 Rating Limits
The day before the start of the regular season (or at a date set by the league), all skaters with a overall rating of 70 or higher, must be on a teams pro roster. After the start of the regular season (and with the activation
of waivers), any player no matter of there rating is allowed to be demoted to the minor league. Regular waiver rules still apply. Goaltenders are not restricted by the rating limit.
12.1.3 NHL One-Way Contracts
If the player in the NHL has a one-way contract, then the NHLsim will honor that contract. Players must first clear waivers. If no team claims him on waivers, then he is assigned to the minor league team.
12.2 Waiver Wire / Claiming a Player
Once a player is placed on the waiver wire, any team may put in a claim him within 24 hours. If two or more teams claim a player, the team who is the highest in the waivers priority list will get the player. If a team
claims a player, he must be added to the pro roster, otherwise he will be placed on waivers. If a player is not claimed in 24 hours, he will go to the original club's farm team.
12.2.1 Waiver Wire Fee
The team that claims a player, will pay $100,000 dollars to the team that put the player on the waiver wire as compensation.
CHAPTER 13: PROSPECTS
13.1 General Information
Each NHLsim team has a prospect list on the leagues website. Players on the prospect list have their rights owned by that particular team but have yet been signed to a pro contract. Teams do not pay anything to
these prospects. Teams may have any player removed from their list at no cost and either added to their unavailing players list or released meaning the player is no longer considered a prospect but rather an
unrestricted free agent (UFA) and can be signed by anyone (provided he qualifies to be signed, see section 16.3).
13.2. Signing A Prospect
Prospects can be signed to an NHLsim contract at any time during the season. For information regarding the structure of a rookie contract, please see section 15.2.1. Upon signing a prospect, the prospect will be
transferred to the farm team where they will play until called up by their parent team. A player must have played at least 1 NHL/AHL game in the current NHL/AHL season (or past NHL/AHL season if it’s the off
season) in order to be eligible for signing.
EXCEPTION: If a team only has 2 goaltenders on their roster, then the team can sign a prospect goaltender without the 1 game of experience. A prospect is signed via the website (player change request and then
Activate Prospect). The prospect will be given his base NHL salary (not cap hit) for the current season and the length of the contract will that of his NHL counterpart.
13.2.1. Prospect Auto-Activation
Any prospect that has played more than 65 combined* NHL/AHL games must be signed before the start of the unrestricted free agent period. Any qualifying prospect not signed when the UFA period starts, will
become an UFA and can be signed by any team in the league. *Not limited to 1 season, or 2 seasons in a row. The 65 games is the players TOTAL number of NHL/AHL games. Regular season and playoffs. Pre-
season and exibition games do NOT count.
13.3 Prospect limit
Teams are not permitted to have more then 50 prospects on there prospect list. Any trades or draft picks that will put a team above the limit, will be voided. Teams must make sure they have room on there prospects
list, before the leagues annual entry draft. Prospects can be released without compensation at any time.
CHAPTER 14: CONTRACTS
14.1. General Information
In order to play for a team, a player must be signed to a contract. Essentially, a player's salary will be exactly the same as their NHL counterpart. It will only be their base salary for that year. We will not be using their
salary cap hit. It will also not include any salary bonus. The only approved sites for these salaries will be the following:
- www.nhlnumbers.com
- www.capgeek.com
For entirety sake, contracts cannot exceed the maximum annual salary (See sec 15.2) or be below the minimum annual salary (See sec 15.3). Contracts cannot be longer than the maximum limit allowed by their
status (see sec 15.4). Contracts will not include stipulations such as a no-trade clause only if they have no-trade clauses in the NHL (See sec 15.5). Signing bonuses can also be offered on certain contracts (see sec
15.6). Contracts must be negotiated with the appropriate NHLSPA representative (see sec 16.1). Players who are on the farm roster are paid 10% of their full contract for the time they are in the minors, unless they
are one-way contracts.
15.2. Maximum Salaries
An NHLsim contract may not exceed the maximum allowed by the CBA. That figure is determined as 20% of the total salary cap for a team.
Season Salary
2011 – 12 $12,860,000
15.2.1 Rookie Maximum Salaries
Prospects may not sign a contract exceeding the rookie maximum, as in the chart below.
Season Salary
2011 – 12 $925,000
15.3. Minimum Salaries
An NHLsim contract must meet the minimum allowed by the CBA.
Season Min-salary
2011 – 12 $525,000
15.4. Contract Lengths
Contract lengths are dependent on the status of their NHL counterpart player as dicated by nhlnumbers or capgeek.com.
15.5. No Trade Clause
No-trade clauses can be offered to any players in the NHLsim. Instead every player who is 28 years or older and signs a new contract longer then 1-year, will be given a 1-year no-trade clause. The 1-year no-trade
clause cannot be waived. The no-trade clause will be removed at the start of the UFA period the following off-season. Players who are 26 years or older, and sign 1-year contracts will be given a “limited” no-trade
clause which will
be in effect until January 1st the following season.
15.6. Signing Bonus
A UFA contract may include a signing bonus, however that bonus may not exceed 25% of the total salary of the contract. This total doesn’t include the bonus. For example: 4 year contract of $2,500,000 per year =
$10,000,000, max signing bonus would be $2,500,000. Coaches, RFA's and Rookie contracts cannot include signing bonuses.
CHAPTER 16: FREE AGENCY
16.1 NHLSPA (NHLsim Player's Association)
The NHLsim Player's Association handles all the leagues financial contracts. The NHLsim will have agent(s) who will be in charge of negotiating contracts for their clients. The agent will act as the player's voice in
negotiations and carefully decide where they would like to sign and why. Players may sign with a team for various reasons such as location, whether the team is a contender, if they have played for the team in the
past, they have someone they know on the team, they need a change of scenery etc., GM's are encouraged to develop a good relationship with the agent(s), or it may hurt their chances at signing players. The only
thing that is set is contract and contract length which is dictated by their NHL counterpart.
16.1.1 Player Agents
The NHLsim has multiple agents that share the responsibilities. The Western Conference Player Agent will always be a GM from the Eastern Conference, and the Eastern Conference Player Agent will always be a
GM from the Western Conference. One of the commissioners or his designee will be the UFA Player agent, as well as the Coaching Agent.
Current NHLsim Agents:
- to be announced
16.2 Types Of Free Agents
There are two types of free agents, restricted free agents (RFA's) and unrestricted free agents (UFA's). They will try to obtain an objective look and emulate the player's NHL counterpart desire (ie. type of team the
player is looking for as well as playing time etc.).
16.2.1 Restricted Free Agent Definition
In general, they will emulate that of the NHL. Players whose contracts expire who do not qualify for unrestricted free agency can have their free agent rights restricted by their former club. If another team signs a RFA
then compensation will be provided to the player's former team (See sec 16.6). In order to keep the right of first refusal and be entitled to draft choice compensation the player must be offered a qualifying offer by
his team. In order to qualify a player the team must offer the player in question them same salary amount the player earned in his previous contract. The qualifying offer must be made before the start of the UFA
period, or else the player in question will become an unrestricted free agent.
16.2.1.2 RFA Qualifying offer
A team can only offer the RFA his NHL counterpart offer. If that NHL player has yet to sign, the NHLsim team cannot sign that player. Therefore, if that player in the NHL holdsout, then he will also hold out in the
NHLsim.
16.2.2 Unrestricted Free Agent Definition
An unrestricted free agent (UFA) in the NHLsim is defined by that of the NHL. Therefore, every off-season, the UFA eligible will be the same as the NHL's off-season. A team can have the opportunity to sign a UFA, if
that UFA also re-signs before the July 1st deadline. They can only sign that UFA to his NHL counterpart contract.
16.3 Signing Unrestricted Free Agents (UFA)
A players who is without contract and whose rights are not owned by any team qualifies as a UFA and is free to sign with any team.
16.3.1 Acquiring a new player
Any player who has played at least 1 NHL game in the past 2 NHL season, and has played in the AHL during the last season (should they not have appeared in the NHL in the previous season) and it not listed on any
team's prospect list, signed to an NHL contract, retired from the NHL, or eligible for the NHLsim Draft, can be acquired by any team at any time, except during times where new free agent signings are not allowed.
16.3.2 UFA Ages
The UFA will emulate that of the NHL.
16.3.3. Off-Season Unrestricted Free Agency
Off-season unrestricted free agency is for any player qualifying for UFA status based on his age (see sec 16.3.2) on July 1st of the year the free agency begins, and whose current contract has expired. Any team can
sign UFA’s without compensation to the former team. The process will be very much like the NHL. GM's will be able to send in offers on the day Free Agency begins (determined by the commissioners) to the
unrestricted free agents and the NHLSPA agent(s) will begin negotiations. A free agent can only be offerred once his NHL counterpart has signed an NHL contract. EXCEPTION: In the event that a UFA is not signed
to his NHL counterpart salary and length, then he can be signed to a maximum of 1 year of his NHL contract salary. At the end of that one year, he will become a UFA.
16.3.4. In-Season Unrestricted Free Agency
In-season unrestricted free agency is for players qualifying for UFA status based on his age (see sec 16.3.2). Most often this will include undrafted NHL rookies. This process will ensure that all teams have opportunity
to sign the player, but preference will go to the weakest NHLS teams to ensure that assets are available to all teams. The following process will be used to sign and distribute the player(s). Teams interested in making
an offer to the UFA player should make the UFA agent aware of their interest by emailing the agent. This email showing interest should be done within 5 days of the player making his debut in the NHL.(For example,
if player X plays his first NHL game on February 2nd, he may not make his decision until February 7th.)
The UFA Agent Panel will examine each interested team, and award the player based on a collection of variables, including but not limited to, team need, playing time available @ pro level and/or @ farm level,
previous UFA signings in the current season. In rare cases where teams are judged to be ‘pretty equal in their need for the player’ a random team will be selected by unscientific means. (think - drawing from a hat)
The result will be recorded, and should another player come available favoritism will be warded to the team(s) who did not receive the previous player(s). When a team is finally selected, that team will receive the
rights the UFA player. The contract and terms will be determined by what the player has received for a contract in the NHL. www.capgeek.com will be used to determine the contract.
16.4. Signing Restricted Free Agents (RFA)
Players whose contracts expire but who do not qualify for unrestricted free agency (i.e. they are under the UFA age, see sec 16.3.2) are restricted free agents, meaning they remain property of their current club. This
means
that these players may sign with another club, however there are restrictions. RFA’s may not sign a contract with another team until the start of the free agency period (announced by the commissioner each off
season). If
another team signs the player, the restrictions are that the player's former team has the right to either match the offer (the player automatically returns to his former team with the new contract), or take compensation
from the
new team.
16.4.1. RFA (Restricted Free Agent) Compensation
It will be dictated as that of the NHL. When a team loses a RFA to another team then they are entitled to compensation.
Salary Range Compensation
$1,034,249 and below No compensation
$1,034,250 to $1,567,043 Third-round pick
$1,567,044 to $3,134,088 Second-round pick
$3,134,089 to $4,701,131 First- and third-round pick
$4,701,132 to $6,268,175 First-, second-, and third round pick
$6,268,176 to $7,835,219 Two first-round picks and a second- and third-round pick
$7,835,220 and above Four first-round picks
16.4.2 RFA Compensation Pick Rules
The team that signs a player to an offer-sheet, can only do so if they have the draft picks that match the compensation (see above), otherwise the offer sheet is voided. The draft picks must be the offering team’s
original picks. The draft picks must also be available in the upcoming draft. If the compensation is two 1st round draft picks, then they must be in sequential years.
16.4.3 Other RFA Compensation
Once an offer-sheet is ruled valid, the two teams are free to negotiate the compensation. The negotiated compensation will then be reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors (BOD).
16.4.4 RFA Trade Restrictions
If a team decides to match the offer sheet made to one of their players, they are not allowed to trade that player for one (1) season.
16.4.5 RFA Salary Arbitration.
RFA salary arbitration will be dictacted by that of the NHL counterpart.
16.5 Newly Signed Player Assignment
Any player that is signed (no matter what age, or rating), will be placed on the farm roster of the signing team, without the need to pass through waivers first. Note that this only applies to players who haven't played a
game yet. If the player has played a game, then he must pass through waivers.
CHAPTER 17: GENERAL MANAGER RATINGS
17.1. General Information
Off-season gm ratings are not in effect in the NHLsim.
CHAPTER 18: FINANCES
18.1. General Information
One of your goals as GM of an NHLsim franchise is to make sure the franchise remains financially sound. All teams starts out with $10,000,000. In the event of League Expansion new franchises would be awarded
$10,000,000
start up funds. Franchises gain money by selling tickets and they must sell enough tickets to pay for their expenses. Team expenses include but are not limited to pro and farm payrolls, coach salary, prospect fees and
more.
18.2. SALARY CAP & SALARY FLOOR
The salary cap in the NHLsim is the same as the NHL salary cap, and adjusts year to year. Salary cap expense is pro salaries only. During the off-season there is no salary cap in the NHLsim. The NHLsim cap is then
activated at the first day of the NHLsim regular season. If a team fails to meet the salary cap requirement at the start of the season, there are penalties. The NHLsim also have a salary floor which all teams must be
over during the regular season.The salary cap and the salary floor are both announced in time for the start of the regular season. If the caps are not announced at the time of the regular season, then the league will
hand out no fines. (the Sim software will not run if a team is over or under the cap, thus the severe penalty structure.)
18.2.1 Salary Cap Limits
Season Salary Cap
2011 – 12 $64,300,000
2012-13 TBD
18.2.2 Salary Floor Limits
Season Salary Floor
2011 – 12 $48,300,000
2012-13 TBD
18.2.3 Exceeding Salary Cap Penalty
Cap Penalty, Start of Regular Season
If a team is over the cap at the first day of the NHLsim regular season then the following penalties apply:
1. Team is fined $10,000,000
2. Highest paid player released (continues until team is under cap) Cap Penalty,
During the Season if a team goes over the cap after the start of the regular season but before the end of the playoffs:
Day 1 – Team is fined $2,000,000
Day 2 – Team is fined $3,000,000
Day 3 – Team is fined $5,000,000
Day 4 – Highest paid player released (continues until team is under cap)
18.2.4 Falling Below Salary Floor Penalty
Floor Penalty, Start of Regular Season
If a team is under the floor at the first day of the NHLsim regular season then the following penalties apply:
1. Team is fined $10,000,000
2. Highest paid player contract multiplied by 1.5 (continues until team is over floor)
Floor Penalty, During the Season
If a team goes over the cap after the start of the regular season but before the end of the playoffs:
Day 1 – Team is fined $2,000,000
Day 2 – Team is fined $3,000,000
Day 3 – Team is fined $5,000,000
Day 4 – Highest paid player contract multiplied by 1.5 (continues until team is over floor)
18.3. Generating Revenue
Teams will earn revenue by selling tickets to their games. The amount a team earns depends on the arena size, attendance, and ticket prices. Ticket prices can be changed any time during the regular season.
Attendance will
be based on whether a team is playing well and if the team has any star players for the fans to watch play.
18.3.1. Special Achievement Bonus
There will be special achievement bonuses given out at the end of each NHLsim season. Specific dollar amounts will not be revealed until the end of the season but money will be given out to GM's who are active
on the
message board and MSN messenger, GM's who send in lines and answer their e-mails on a regular basis. Money will also be given out for GM's who help the league out in any way with articles or other tasks. Prize
money will also be given out to teams that win any kind of league award.
18.4. Teams in Financial Distress
A team in financial distress is one that may be in danger of becoming bankrupt. The Commissioners will be keeping a close eye on finances and if they see a GM who is not handling their money wisely they will be
warned to correct the problem. If the problem is not getting corrected or starts to get worse then the GM at fault may be subject to dismissal.
CHAPTER 19: DRAFTS
19.1. General Information
Drafts will usually be held on MSN messenger chat). If a GM cannot make it to a draft then it is up to them to make arrangements to send in a draft list to one of the Commissioners or have someone draft for them. If a
GM does not make these arrangements then a Commissioner or BOD member can draft for them, and it will not be best player available.
19.1.1. Draft Etiquette
One of the biggest issues with organizing a draft is that GM's often fail to follow instructions. If the draft is scheduled for 11am EST then be there ready to go 5-10 minutes early. Do not bother showing up for 10
minutes
then leaving for 20 then popping in for 5 etc., this only creates confusion. If you can't be on for 30 minutes straight then we instead suggest that you send in a draft list. When it is your turn to choose, you can send a
personal
message to the person(s) in charge and they will announce your pick for you in the draft channel. Teams must make selections in a timely manner otherwise a Commissioner will make the pick for them.
19.2. Entry Draft
The entry draft will occur in the off-season. Only players that were drafted in the NHL entry draft will be included in the NHLsim entry draft. The entry draft will be a full 7 rounds. GM's will be allowed to trade during
this
draft. The draft order will follow the same order as the NHL, with the non-playoff teams entering a draft lottery. The draft lottery only affects the first round of the draft, all other rounds will be in reverse order of the
previous
NHLsim points standings for those teams in the lottery.
19.2.1. Entry Draft Lottery
The NHLsim entry draft lottery will emulate the same format as that of the NHL> For all the non-playoff teams there will be a draft lottery held, done automatically by the simulator. The team who finished the season
in last place will have the best odds of selecting first, the second to last team will have the second best odds and so on. The lottery is to determine who will draft first overall.
Teams who finish 26th–30th in the standings can move up a maximum of 4 spots therefore any of these teams have a shot at selecting first overall.
Teams who finish 17th– 25th can move up a maximum of 4 spots therefore none of the teams have a chance of selecting first overall.
Here are the odds of selecting first for non-playoff teams:
Position Pct
30th 25.%
29th 18.8%
28th 14.2&
27th 10.7%
26th 8.1%
25th 6.2%
24th 4.7%
23rd 3.6%
22nd 2.7%
21st 2.1%
20th 1.5%
19th 1.1%
18th 0.8%
17th 0.5%
19.3. WAIVER DRAFT
The Waiver Draft is not in effect.
19.4. EXPANSION DRAFT
The NHLsim will expand in the first off-season following an NHL expansion. Existing clubs may choose either of the following protection plans:
1, Up to 5 defensemen, 9 forwards, and 1 goaltender or
2, Up to 4 defensemen, 8 forwards, and 2 goaltenders
Each club must expose for claim at least the following players who meet the experience requirements indicated below:
• One Goaltender - For teams protecting one goaltender, no experience requirement is necessary. For teams protecting two goaltenders, one of the goalies must have at least 15 games of experience in the NHLsim
league. Games played include regular season and playoff games.
• One Experienced Defenseman - A defenseman who has at least 40 NHLsim games of experience. Games played include regular season and playoff games.
• Two Experienced Forwards - Two forwards who have at least 40 NHL games of experience each. Games played include regular season and playoff games.
19.5. Dispersal Draft
If the Commissioners feel an NHLsim team or teams have become too weak, or a team that has become vacant is extremely strong, then a dispersal draft may be proposed. The dispersal draft is not to be used lightly,
and is not
the preferred method of strengthening teams. The rules and stipulations will be made by the Commissioners and every GM will be given a fair amount of time to prepare for the draft.
19.5.1 Inaugural Dispersal Draft (2011)
The NHLsim inaugural dispersal draft will be conducted as follows:
- The draft will consist of two separate drafts: Player Dispersal Draft and Prospect Dispersal Draft. The Prospect draft will follow after the Player Dispersal draft.
- Player Dispersal Draft consisting of 25 rounds. Prospect Draft will consist of 15 rounds.
- Only players with an active NHL/AHL contract (as of October 7, 2011) are eligible in the Inaugural Dispersal draft as of October 7, 2011.
- Only players listed in the NHLsim official player list can be selected.
* If there are any discrepancy (ie. mispelled name, omitted names, players etc), please contact the commissioner so that the necessary changes can be made.
- To be eligible for Player Dispersal Draft, a player has played more than 25 games in any preceding NHL season or in six or more games in each of any two preceding seasons in the NHL.
- To be eligible for the Prospect Dispersal Draft, the player must not be older than 26 years before September 15, 2011. In addition, he cannot have played more than 25 games in any single preceding NHL season
nor in six or more games in each of any two preceding seasons in any major professional league. In addition, he must be eligible for NHL draft.
- If a player cannot be placed in the Prospect Dispersal Draft as outlined above, he will be placed in the Player Dispersal Draft.
- A lottery will be conducted to determine the player dispersal draft order. The method of the draft will be at the discretion of the Commissioner, but announced prior to its execution.
- Prospect draft order will be the reverse order of the player dispersal draft.
- Contract salary and lengths will be the same as that of their NHL counterparts.
- Players not selected at the end of the draft will become UFAs and will be UFA rules as listed in 16.3.
- Draft will be conducted in a snake like fashion. For example, a team that drafts 3rd pick in the 1st round will draft 28th in the 2nd round.
- No trading of any assets will be allowed during the draft. The trade freeze will be in effect until announced by the commissioner.
- The draft will either be conducted live through a MSN messenger chat or via a GM sent list. Results will be posted on the forum.
- Teams that have missed their pick (ie. not present during a live draft or did not submit a list in a timely fashion) in a particular round will be allowed to make their pick at any point during that round until that round
ends. At the end of the round, the commissioner will select on behalf that team.
- In the event, that a team has been vacated. The commissioner will select on behalf of the vacated team.
19.6. Contraction Draft
The contraction draft is a tool the commissioners can use if they feel the league is unjust, and if a team is unable to compete in any way shape or form. The NHLsim will contract in the first offseason following an
NHL contraction or if the Co- Commissioners feel a contraction is needed in the NHL. If there is still a GM on a team that needs to be contracted then that GM will either be let go, temporarily out of work until
another GM spot opens up or contraction will be put on hold.A contraction draft will be held in the off-season. The team or teams that are being contracted will have all their assets put into the draft including roster
players, prospects, draft picks and any other players or coaches that they may own the rights to. The draft order will be a reverse order of the previous NHL season standings and the draft will continue until all the
assets have been selected. However, in case if the NHL does contract, dispersal of the defunct team will be conducted in similar fashion as that of the NHL.
CHAPTER 20: SPECIAL EVENTS
** The 2012 All-Star and Young Stars Game will be cancelled in attempt to catch up to the NHL season.
20.1. ALL-STAR Game
Each season, between the 30-50 game mark (per team) the NHLsim will host an All-Star game at the same time as the NHL. The city that will host the All-Star game will be the same as the NHL for that current
season. There will be a break in the schedule to allow for the game to take place. There will be two All-Star teams, an East and a West. Each team will be made up of at least 3 players at each forward position plus
3 other forwards at any position, 6 defensemen and 2 goalies. Each NHLsim team must have at least one representative at the All-Star game. There will also be 1 coach selected from each conference to coach the
teams. Lines will be made by the Commissioners. Any stats that are cumulated in the game will be separate from regular season stats.
20.2. YOUNG-STARS Game
Each season, between the 30-50 game mark (per team), the NHLsim will host a Young-Stars game, a day or two before the All-Star game takes place. The same city hosting the All-Star game, will also host the
Young-Stars
game. There will be a break in the schedule to allow for the game to take place. There will be two Young-Stars teams, an East and a West. Each team will be made up of at least 3 players at each forward position
plus 3 other
forwards at any position, 6 defensemen and 2 goalies. Players participating in the Young-Stars game must be 24 years old or younger. Participants in the Young-Stars game are also allowed to play in the All-Star
game. All NHLsim Lteams do not have to be represented. There will also be 1 coach selected from each conference to coach the teams. Lines will be made by the commissioners. Any stats that are cumulated in
the game will be separate from regular season stats. The NHLsim can also decide to skip the Young-Stars game if time permits the game from being played at a high standard.
20.3. Awards
At the end of each NHLsim season, awards will be handed out. Some awards will be automatically given (Art Ross Trophy, William M. Jennings Trophy, Presidents Trophy etc..) but the majority will be handed out by
the
Commissioners (GM of the Year, Lady, Byng Trophy, James Norris Trophy, Conn Smythe Trophy etc..). Teams will be rewarded money for each award, see chapter 18.3.2.
CHAPTER 21: NHLs Minor League (AHLsim)
21.1 General Information
The AHLsim is the minor league for the NHLsim. Each NHLsim team is affiliated with 1 AHLsim team and has rights to all of their players. The NHLsim minor teams will play on the same days as their NHLsim
affiliates and they will play against the same organization
CHAPTER 22: DISCLAIMER
22.1 Note
The NHLsim CBA is subject to review at any time and can be changed at any time. When anything in the CBA has changed, all GM's will be notified.
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