Nylander Is Still A Cap

And that doesn't appear likely to change. Here's a couple of graphs from my story in today's paper. (I always assume that people read my articles first, but I can never be too sure.)

Because Nylander and Gillis did not return a signed standard player's contract to the Oilers after negotiating the terms of an agreement, sources said it's unlikely that any remedy would jeopardize Nylander's pact with the Capitals, signed and approved by the NHL.

"To our knowledge, there has been only one Standard Player's Contract executed and filed with the League, and under our CBA, that contract should be enforceable," Deputy NHL Commissioner Bill Daly said in a written statement. "But if, after reviewing all of the relevant facts here, there has been a breach of a contractual commitment, we will certainly assist the Oilers in any way we can in seeking an appropriate remedy."

The Oilers' only recourse would appear to involve taking action against Nylander and Gillis. The club could seek damages from the player or the agent, or petition the NHL players' association to take disciplinary action against Gillis.

I'm told Nylander had a middle-of-the-night change of heart and agreed to take less money to return to Washington. Nothing, in my opinion, is really wrong with that so long as he never signed the required paperwork with the Oilers. And it doesn't sound like he did.

I'm off today, but I will be monitoring the situation and will update if anything develops.

Update 2 p.m.:I'm told there won't be anything new today. Now if the thunderstorms will just hold off long enough for me to throw some burgers on the BBQ ...