Signing Prospects
 

Hi.

I'm doing random entry historical mode and have run into a little problem. I draft 4 players (early 1920s here) and if I don't sign them right away, they sign with a WCHA or some other non-NHL team. This is no problem, but when can I sign them? I had a player who's deal ran out 1921, went to sign him after 1921 season, and he had re-upped until 1923. At what point am I able to offer this player a contract?

The PCHA/WCHL/WHL and NHL respect each other's contracts, so you can't sign anyone away from the other league while he's under contract unless he happens to make it to free agency. Once the western league goes under in 1926, all its players will become free agents, and the ones you own the rights to won't be signable by other NHL teams.