2023 is ending on a high note for Golden Knights prospect Matthew Cataford. The team announced today that they’ve signed the forward to a three-year, entry-level contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The 18-year-old was a third-round pick by Vegas back in June, going 77th overall. The early returns on that selection are certainly promising as Cataford has 22 goals and 31 assists in just 35 games with QMJHL Halifax so far. Not only does that lead the Mooseheads in scoring, but his 53 points lead the entire league on that front. He’s also the league leader in plus/minus, checking in at a +35 rating.
While Cataford’s contract technically starts this season, that won’t wind up actually being the case as he will remain in Halifax. Accordingly, his contract will slide for 2023-24 and will still have three seasons left on it heading into the 2024-25 campaign. He’ll be eligible for a second slide as well that year as his options will be either junior hockey or Vegas; Cataford won’t be eligible to be assigned to the minors until 2025-26.
Call me confused but why would you sign an 18 year old to an entry level contract unless they’re planning on him playing in the NHL right now? He can’t play in the AHL for 2 years because of the Juniors rule. So you’ve basically wasted 2 years of his entry level contract for him to play in Juniors, Which is exactly where he is already. Seems like a complete head scratcher to me but what do I know.
The CHL provision in NHL deals allow contracts to ‘slide’. It’s a bit tricky to get but basically Vegas believes in him and wants to reward his play by guaranteeing a professional contract
I have no idea what you mean by ” Slide” but OK. I’ll admit I don’t know all the particulars. So As far as him being guaranteed a contract he’s their property for like 5 more years so it’s not like he’s going anywhere. I just think it’s a dumb time to sign an 18 year old in the middle of a Junior season he’s already stuck in. It’s possible it doesn’t start until next year when he’s be 19 so it would only waste like 1 year of the deal , It just seems like odd timing to do this. I hope it works out for everybody. Like I said, What do I know.
If they don’t sign him in 2(? – correct me if I’m wrong someone) years he can re-enter the draft. The contract “slide” means as long as he doesn’t play in More than 9 NHL games this year if the contract moves forward to next season and again the season after that provided the 9 games rule. Could they wait until next year – sure. I’m sure there are reasons we know nothing about why they do this but it’s an act of good faith between prospect and team and ensures they have their guy locked up and gives the fan base something to get excited about.