Yet another CBA question: 35+ Rule

[Fourier]

This question has to due with the 35+ rule and how it applies if a player in the first year of a multi-year SPC retires due to an injury. The specific case being considered is Nikolai Khabibulin who may possibly need back surgery. There are many on the Oiler board who believe that by retiring in the first year of the SPC he would prevent the Oilers from having to carry the cap hit for years 2-4 of his contract.

Personally, I do not believe this to be the case, despite some rather ambiguous wording in the CBA. mouser has previously weighed in on the same side. Any comments from the learned masses would be greatly appreciated.

[Noldo]

Originally Posted by CBA Article 50.2 (c) iv

All player Salary and Bonuses earned in League Year by a Player who is in the second or later year of multi-year SPC which was signed when the Player was age 35 or older (as of June 30 prior to the League Year in which the SPC is to be effective), regardless of whether, or where, the Player is playing...

I would interpret the provisions that if player retires during the first year of multi-year SPC, the first year is not subject to the restriction and team would therefore be off the hook for the cap hit for that year, but irrespective of the timing of the retirement, the subsequent years would still count against cap.

[kdb209]

Originally Posted by Noldo

I would interpret the provisions that if player retires during the first year of multi-year SPC, the first year is not subject to the restriction and team would therefore be off the hook for the cap hit for that year, but irrespective of the timing of the retirement, the subsequent years would still count against cap.

That is my interpretstion as well.

[Fourier]

Originally Posted by kdb209

That is my interpretstion as well.

Well, it appears that all the great minds think alike.