We were speculating a lot that the 9 game rookie tryout without burning a contract year might be changed in the new CBA, or at least altered this year due to the shortened schedule. A 9 game tryout would encompass nearly 1/5 of the NHL schedule. Sure enough, it has been changed.
If, as expected, 6-game rule is adopted for underage juniors, it’s just for this season. Would go back to 10 next year.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) January 9, 2013
So it’s 5 games for this year until a rookie would burn a year off of their entry level contract. This makes it quite a bit harder for Alex Galchenyuk to prove himself as an NHLer, especially with no preseason games.
So the question is, can he do it? Don’t worry about salary cap situations, if he earns his spot I’m sure the Canadiens will make room. Can he, will he make the Canadiens?
