So not only he’s allowed to move, but the contract the arbitrator awarded him is invalid, right?

I mean, technically he didn’t filed for arbitration, so everything after that is irrelevant.

Posted by Guilherme from Brazsil on 09/09/09 at 12:17 PM ET

This is interesting, because I wonder how arbitration will go when/if Hudler comes back to the NHL.

Posted by Nathan from the scoresheet! on 09/09/09 at 12:35 PM ET

He’d still be a member of the Wings when he returns right?  at the least, maybe an RFA of theirs?

Posted by Greg on 09/09/09 at 01:01 PM ET

Just because the IIHF says the filing is “invalid” doesn’t mean the NHL views it that way.  The IIHF is only calling it “invalid” because it gives them an excuse to approve the transfer to appease the Russians, as by all accounts, the IIHF really doesn’t wanna piss off the Russians.

Posted by John W. from a bubble wrap cocoon on 09/09/09 at 01:10 PM ET

I think the invalid arbitration filing makes all following acts invalid (a null act nullifies all subsequent ones).

So now we should think as if no arbitration occurred.

That would mean Hudler’s now a Detroit RFA, and when/if he returns to North America his new contract will be decided by the parties, without NHL intermission.

That is, of course, assuming the Wings aren’t the ‘Hawks and really offered him an offer sheet that qualifies him as a RFA.

(I’m just guessing… that’s what happens under brazilian law, I dont think it’s so different up there)

Posted by Guilherme from Brazsil on 09/09/09 at 01:11 PM ET

Like I said, the IIHF’s ruling has ZERO bearing on the NHL’s arbitration process.  It’s just their way of sweeping the situation under the rug so they don’t piss off the Russians.

Posted by John W. from a bubble wrap cocoon on 09/09/09 at 01:37 PM ET

As far as the NHL is concerned it is not an invalid arbitration filing. I believe under the CBA an agent is is an authorized rep for the player and can sign and file notices (such as arbitration) for him. Thus the arbitration and reward should be valid under the CBA.

Unlike the European hockey leagues the NHL is not under the jurisdiction of the IIHF. The NHL is not bound by its rulings. Thus if Hudler returned to the NHL he would have to play for the Red Wings under his arbitration reward.

Like John W. said this is just an excuse the IIHF came up with to not piss off the Russians.

Posted by jkrdevil on 09/09/09 at 01:42 PM ET

I forgot IIHF means nothing. Seriously, is there a sports federation as disrespected as IIHF?

“IIHF: So, we won’t approve Hudler playing for you guys.
KHL: Whatever”

“IIHF: We deem the whole arbitration process invalid, so the arbitrator’s awards is null.
NHL: No, it isn’t.”

I’d be depressed.

Posted by Guilherme from Brazsil on 09/09/09 at 02:16 PM ET

All you really need to know about this situation was summed up perfectly in this statement by Dmitry Chesnokov of Puck Daddy in a twitter exchange between he and Matt Saler from On the Wings:

IIHF = joke. They depend too much on the money from the Russians. If the KHL leaves the IIHF, the organization will die.

Perhaps a conflict of interest at play here?

Posted by John W. from a bubble wrap cocoon on 09/09/09 at 11:14 PM ET