Saturday Is Moving Day

A flood of player movement within the NHL will begin next Saturday morning if the proposed collective bargaining agreement between the league and the players’ association is approved this week, as expected.

A source familiar with the situation said that if the deal is ratified, clubs will be allowed to talk to agents on Saturday about entry-level salaries for players who were drafted in 2003 and in 2004. On the same day, clubs could begin buying out existing contracts in order to get under the new salary cap.

The NHL and the union said on Wednesday they’d agreed in principle on a labor deal. Players will vote on Thursday, as will the NHL’s Board of Governors.

“I don’t have any doubt that it will be ratified,” said Pat Brisson, the agent for consensus No. 1 draft pick Sidney Crosby. “For sure, there will be some players who vote against it, 100 maybe. Some may want to make a point. Too many want to make a point and come back.”

An agent who has seen portions of the deal said the top-entry-level salary will be $850,000 and players will be able to earn $850,000 in bonuses tied to ice time or plus/minus ratio. Some players will be able to earn $2 million more if they rank in the NHL’s top 10 in goals, scoring or assists.

The lottery to determine the selection order of this year’s entry draft will be held Thursday. Gary Bettman will announce the results after he lifts the lockout and before he announces rule changes designed to boost scoring. The Canadian Press reported the deal includes a policy that will test players for performance-enhancing drugs at least twice a year. A violation will bring a 20-game suspension, a second violation would result in a 60-game suspension and a third would trigger a lifetime ban.