Another 20-year old undrafted CHL forward has signed an entry-level contract, this time with the Edmonton Oilers. Cameron Hebig, the leading scorer for the Saskatoon Blades has signed his three-year deal, joining the Oilers organization after an impressive first half of his WHL season.
Hebig is an excellent skater, who despite his size has always found offensive success in junior. While he’s not an elite NHL prospect by any means, taking a chance on him to see if he can bring his scoring touch to the next level is a worthwhile risk for Edmonton as they look to build back their prospect ranks.
It does take the Oilers to 48 contracts, meaning they have just two spots remaining if they are looking to add players for a potential playoff run. That could change negotiations as we get near the trade deadline, as the team wouldn’t want to push themselves right up against the limit. Hebig will continue to try and win a WHL Championship with the Blades, who are currently in first place in their division.
Does Hebig’s contract actually count right now towards Edmonton’s limit? Cap Friendly’s wording is a little fuzzy but my interpretation is he doesn’t since he’s still in junior despite being 20.
It does. For it to be exempt, the player must be 18 or 19, playing in junior (or Europe) and have not played 10 NHL games this season. All three need to be true for him to be exempt.
Similarly, Carl Grundstrom in Toronto turned 20 in early December, pushing the Maple Leafs to the 50 contract limit despite him still playing for Frolunda in Sweden.
Ok that’s much more clearer. The way it’s worded/presented on CapFriendly makes it seem as long as the player meets one of the criteria, he’s exempt. Thanks.