Prospects in Free Agency

[mrbadguy]

While I have played OOTPB for years and years, I have never given FHM much time, so still trying to figure some things out.

Playing in 1985 and notice that the "prospects" are listed in Free Agency. 17 year olds like Fleury, Roberts, Robitaille are listed as Free Agents. I thought I set game up so that Junior players begin with the teams that actually drafted them. Its allowing me to make offers.

Did I do something wrong?
I sort of remember having this issue before, but it wouldn't let me make offers then.

[Adam B]

In Historical Mode, Future Draft picks show up in Free Agency because that's where they populate. But I think you're mistaking a few things here.

Please make sure you are on the latest build of the game. But otherwise;

If you start a game in 1985 (6.6.68), Roberts and Robitaille are listed as Free Agents, but as explained above - since Historical is only the NHL/Professional Teams and no minors - if you don't have them signed there is no where for them to go. Both are Restricted Free Agents. If you check the depth charts of the Flames and Kings respectfully, you'll see both of their names appear with their teams.

Fleury on the other hand was eligible, but wasn't drafted until 87, mostly due to his size. You'll get a message he is "too young" though if you do try to sign him.

If you turned on the option to have players to be drafted, then you'll have the draft (it's on by default I believe), if not, they'll be assigned to their correct teams in their draft year.

[JJ Lehto]

It's a problem for a 1979 start too (and I guess for all the seasons). Prospects that should go through the draft next year are available as unrestricted free agents right away.

[JeffR]

Originally Posted by JJ Lehto

It's a problem for a 1979 start too (and I guess for all the seasons). Prospects that should go through the draft next year are available as unrestricted free agents right away.

The players appear as free agents, but can't be signed until they've gone through the draft. If you start a game in 1979 and play through the 1980 draft, that draft will have the players who were actually selected that year - Coffey, Savard, Murphy, etc. Or if you have the draft turned off, they appear on July 1, 1980 with the team that actually drafted them.

[JJ Lehto]

Originally Posted by JeffR

The players appear as free agents, but can't be signed until they've gone through the draft. If you start a game in 1979 and play through the 1980 draft, that draft will have the players who were actually selected that year - Coffey, Savard, Murphy, etc. Or if you have the draft turned off, they appear on July 1, 1980 with the team that actually drafted them.

Just tested it, and indeed, it has changed from the previous version. Now there no more under 20 year olds (like Jari Kurri and Reijo Ruotsalainen in 1979) available as unrestricted free agents at the start. This is a significant improvement. Cheers!