Let’s say an 18 year old kid “generational talent” decides he doesn’t want to play for the team that drafted him. Could he sign in Russia for 3 years for potentially more money and sign with whoever he wants at 21?
Random question
I'm under the impression that the original drafting team would own the player's rights for two years and then the player would re-enter the draft pool (I believe due to the lack of a transfer agreement, Russian player rights are held indefinitely and NCAA guys for the duration of their time in college).
It's not unusual to see a player or two re-drafted every year. Frederik Andersen was drafted in 2010, didn't agree to terms with Carolina, and was drafted again by Anaheim in 2012. Andersen's an interesting edge case since he (1989 birthday) wouldn't have been draft eligible for 2012 if he hadn't been selected before. I'd have to dig up the CBA clause again, but I'd think a player's rights would still belong to the second drafting team for another two years.
Back in the day, Mike Rupp was a top 10 pick but the Islanders decided they'd rather have the 2nd round compensatory pick than sign him. Rupp re-entered the draft and was taken in the 3rd round by New Jersey. Nick Boynton was a first rounder twice in 1997 and 1999.
Realistically, a generational player might be leaving money on the table if they waited to sign an ELC at 21/22 and becoming UFA at age 27 instead of possibly going UFA at age 25.
Unlikely UFA route:
18 (D+1): foreign league
19 (D+2): foreign league
20 (redraft+1): foreign league
21 (redraft+2): foreign league
22: ELC1
23: ELC2
24: RFA
Usual route:
18: ELC1
19: ELC2
20: ELC3
21: RFA
Realistically, the more likely case would be a player going the Lindros route and forcing a trade rather than delaying their NHL career. Tim Erixon was a first rounder in 2009 but didn't want to sign with Calgary and tried to force a trade to the Rangers (his dad played there). Erixon's leverage was that he could re-enter the 2011 Draft where most thought he'd go in the #10-15 range. So rather than get a late 2nd rounder as compensation, Calgary begrudgingly traded him to the Rangers for a pair of 2nd rounders. But that's still an unlikely path for a blue chip prospect who could play in the league at 18.