What Does Future Consideration Mean in NHL? Learn More Here!

As a hockey fan, you may have come across the term “future considerations” in NHL trades and transactions. But what does it mean, exactly?

Future considerations refer to something of value that is promised or exchanged between teams as part of a trade deal, but with the specific details left unspecified at the time of the agreement. These future considerations usually depend on certain conditions being met within a specified timeframe.

The concept of future considerations can be quite complex, as there are different types of agreements that can be made. Some deals might involve a conditional draft pick based on a player’s performance. Others could require a team to pay a certain amount of money if a traded player meets specific milestones in their new team.

“The use of future considerations allows teams more flexibility when negotiating trades, as they can make decisions based on potential outcomes rather than concrete ones.” – Hockey writer

While future considerations can involve many variables and uncertainties, they remain an integral aspect of NHL trades and transactions. To gain a better understanding of how these agreements work, read on for more detailed information.

Definition of Future Consideration in NHL

In the world of professional hockey, trades happen frequently. When a trade is made between two teams, often there will be various assets included as part of the deal. One important term that comes up in NHL trades is future consideration.

What is Future Consideration?

Future consideration refers to something that is promised by one team to another in exchange for something else. In an NHL trade, this usually means that a promise is made to deliver a draft pick or player at a later date.

For example, let’s say that Team A and Team B are making a trade. Team A agrees to send over a player and some cash in exchange for a draft pick from Team B. However, if Team B wants to sweeten the deal, they might also offer “future considerations.” This would mean that sometime down the line, perhaps even years in the future, they will provide something else of value to Team A as thanks for completing the initial trade.

The concept of future consideration is important because it allows for more flexibility when trading. Teams can use it as a bargaining chip to make their offers more attractive to the other party. By adding a single phrase like “and future considerations” to the end of a trade proposal, teams can open up new possibilities and create long-term relationships with each other.

Why is Future Consideration Important in NHL Trades?

There are several reasons why future consideration plays such an important role in NHL trades:

• Creativity: By including future considerations in a trade package, teams have more room to get creative with what they’re offering. It can allow them to find new ways to structure deals and come up with unique solutions that benefit both sides.
• Goodwill: Including future considerations can also be a way of building goodwill between teams. By offering something down the line, even if it’s just a small token of appreciation, the team sending it is showing that they value their relationship with the other side.
• Fairness: Finally, future considerations can help to balance out trades where one team might be getting more than the other. If Team A is trading away a star player and only receiving a single draft pick in return, they might feel like they’re not getting enough value. However, if Team B adds on some future considerations, it makes the trade feel more equal overall.

All in all, future consideration is an important tool for NHL teams to use when making trades with each other. It allows them to create better deals, build stronger relationships, and ensure a fair outcome for everyone involved.

How is Future Consideration Used in NHL Trades?

The National Hockey League (NHL) has been known for having plenty of trades every season. In these trades, future consideration plays a significant role. Future consideration refers to elements incorporated into transactions that involve assets whose value or presence will take effect at a later date.

In most cases, they are conditions included in the deal such as draft picks or other players playing with another team. A trade involving future considerations usually happens when one team needs something from another roster but doesn’t have an asset that the latter wants immediately.

Types of Future Consideration

• Cash: Cash can be offered if there isn’t any agreement on what type of future consideration would work best. It’s another way of compensating the team that gives up their player’s rights.
• Draft picks: These are considered by some organizations as valuable because it lets them participate in the early stages of drafts. This kind of consideration allows not only future but also immediate benefits for both teams since players and prospects could be acquired.
• Player loans: As uncommon as this is in hockey, teams sometimes lend one of their players out to another team based on the terms discussed between them.

How is Future Consideration Negotiated?

When negotiating deals in professional sports, parties should agree on compensation standards. However, just like any human negotiation, these conversations may go differently in each scenario.

Generally speaking, discussions tend to happen long before the actual trade takes place. When a team genuinely wants a particular player—especially one that seems indispensable—they’ll try to pre-emptively establish whether the front office believes they might want any future considerations when dealing him away.

The process often goes this way; both parties agree to take a player or trade him. However, the price for acquiring him remains unsatisfactory for one of them since they might be giving up too much from their end without receiving equal compensation in return.

Common Scenarios for Future Consideration in NHL Trades

A few situations where teams may agree on future considerations during a trade include buying out specific players, clearing cap space by retaining a portion of another team’s salary, and trading assets between divisions.

“By including future considerations in deals, general managers can bridge the gap on trades that would otherwise dissolve due to uncertainty among either party.” -Derek Neumeier, writer at “The Hockey Writers.”

In addition, some teams prefer specific types of draft picks depending on how early or late it occurs. The value could change based on availability or seeing other prospects play. Other GMs view certain kinds of salaries as more affordable and likely to fit into their current budget than others.

On top of all these factors are questions about value creation, potentially paying extra fees, and why they do—or don’t —want to invest money or resources into developing a particular asset within their organization.

Future considerations are elements incorporated into transactions involving assets that will not take effect until sometime later. Teams negotiations happen before actual trades, and common scenarios where future consideration is present includes asset buying, retentions, and divisional trades.

Examples of Future Consideration in Recent NHL Trades

Recent Trades Involving Future Consideration

In the world of professional sports, trades are a standard occurrence, and the National Hockey League (NHL) is no exception. One element that differentiates NHL trades from other sports is the use of future considerations.

Future consideration refers to an agreement where one team agrees to provide compensation to another team at some point in the future. This compensation could take many forms, including players, draft picks or even cash. It can be challenging for fans to keep track of all the moving pieces during the frenzy of trade season, so let’s look at some examples of recent trades involving future consideration:

• The Tampa Bay Lightning traded defenseman Jan Rutta to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for Slater Koekkoek and a fifth-round pick in the 2019 NHL Draft. However, Tampa Bay also included a seventh-round pick in the 2019 NHL Draft as future consideration.
• The Arizona Coyotes acquired forward Vinnie Hinostroza, defenseman Jordan Oesterle, and a third-round pick in the 2019 NHL Draft from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for Marcus Kruger, MacKenzie Entwistle, Jordan Maletta, Andrew Campbell, and a fifth-round pick in the 2019 NHL Draft. The Coyotes also agreed to send forward Marian Hossa, defenseman Andrew Campbell, and a third-round pick in the 2019 NHL Draft to Chicago as future consideration.

Impact of Future Consideration on Teams and Players

It’s essential to note that future considerations don’t just impact teams, but also the players involved in these trades. For example, if a player is traded to a team as future consideration, they may have to put their life on hold until the compensation is complete.

According to former NHL player Brian Flynn, while playing for the Buffalo Sabres in 2015, he was traded to the Montreal Canadiens and asked to “hang tight” because he would be included as future consideration in a trade with the St. Louis Blues. Flynn found himself in limbo, waiting for several weeks until the trade became official.

“It was an awkward situation for me… I wasn’t sure where I’d be living or anything like that,” Flynn said.

Future considerations can also impact a team’s ability to make additional trades or acquisitions. For example, if a team agrees to future considerations without knowing what those will be, the team could end up short-handed – both in terms of personnel and draft picks – when it comes time to pay up.

Even though future considerations might not seem like much at the time of a trade, they often play a significant role down the line. Teams need to take these agreements into account and ensure they’re making the right decisions for their present and future success.

Future consideration is just one element of the complex world of NHL trades, but it has a more significant impact than most fans realize. When tracking the flurry of trade activity during the season, keep an eye out for any teams including future considerations and watch how those affect rosters and moves down the road.

Potential Risks and Benefits of Future Consideration for NHL Teams

Risks Associated with Future Consideration

Future consideration in NHL trades refers to including future assets, like draft picks or prospects, as part of a trade agreement. One risk associated with future consideration is the uncertainty surrounding these assets. While they may have potential value down the road, factors beyond anyone’s control could limit their worth.

When deciding whether to include future consideration in a trade agreement, teams must also weigh the risks that come along with possible transactions. Trades can always backfire, such as when proven players do not fit into new environments or fail to live up to expectations. Including future consideration means that teams are putting faith in assets rather than tangible contributors, which carries an intrinsic level of risk.

“For every good move made by a team trading future considerations, there are countless others that end up being bad moves.” -Adam Gretz, NBC Sports

Benefits of Including Future Consideration in NHL Trades

A major benefit of considering future assets in NHL trades is flexibility. Roster rules and salary caps can be particularly strict in professional hockey, leading some general managers to feel handcuffed in terms of adding talent mid-season or revamping their roster over time. Complexities around signing bonuses and performance incentives make it challenging to rearrange a team on the fly.

When you allow for future considerations in a deal, you’re able to step away from the rigidity of contracts and commit yourself more readily to long-term asset building. This approach acknowledges that some situations only make sense over the course of multiple seasons — sometimes derailing your chances at short-term success while positioning your club better for the longer term.

“Futures deals are often about extending bridges to relationships between GMs, solidifying what might become a trading partnership in the future. They’re sometimes about moving assets you no longer need for something of value down the road.” -Justin Cuthbert, Yahoo Sports

Impact of Future Consideration on Team Building and Planning

A take the long view mentality is beneficial because it can help teams build from within rather than constantly acquiring new talent externally. Even with a clean balance sheet, focusing solely around free agency or blockbuster trades minimizes the risk and reward that building up your farm system carries. Considering futures consciously keeps ownership and management committed to an ongoing process with clear objectives.

The impact of including future consideration extends beyond player acquisition. It can positively influence scouting departments’ workloads season-to-season, forecasting supply and demand dynamics years in advance when allocating resources toward more targeted scouting techniques. Furthermore, general managers must consider how different picks, prospects, or young players fit into their existing programs and how they will pair with current roster interests, concentrating on developing roles instead of immediate needs.

“The ability to include future considerations as part of the NHL trade landscape has taken on greater significance in recent times due to the lower salary cap ceiling and higher salaries paid to star players — making it much harder for Stanley Cup contenders to stock their shelves through free-agent signings alone.” -Sam Weinman, The Athletic

How Does Future Consideration Differ from Other Trade Considerations?

In the NHL, teams have various assets they can use to make trades with other teams. One of these is future consideration, which involves exchanging potential future assets for a player or pick in the present. While it may seem similar to other trade considerations, such as cash, draft picks, and player swaps, there are significant differences in how future consideration works.

Comparison with Cash Considerations

Cash considerations involve one team offering money to another team as part of a trade. This money can be used to pay a portion of a player’s salary or to compensate for taking on a less desirable contract. However, while cash considerations might be more straightforward than future considerations, they do not provide the same level of long-term value for a team.

“You don’t want to just give away players because you’re trying to dump salary for cash considerations” -Joe Sakic

This quote from former Colorado Avalanche forward Joe Sakic highlights the importance of considering the long-term implications of a trade. While cash may help alleviate financial pressure in the short term, losing valuable future assets can harm a team’s performance down the line. In contrast, future considerations allow teams to hold onto their assets while still acquiring the talent they need in the present.

Comparison with Draft Picks

Draft picks are a common asset traded between teams in the NHL. These picks represent a specific position in the upcoming NHL entry draft, with higher picks having greater value. However, while draft picks are valuable for building a team through prospect development, they lack the certainty that comes with trading for an established player. Additionally, the value of a draft pick can fluctuate greatly depending on the strength of the draft class.

“The thing about draft picks is they’re in the future, and you never know what that’s going to bring.” -Brian Burke

This quote from former NHL executive Brian Burke illustrates the uncertainty of trading for draft picks. While a high pick can potentially lead to All-Star talent, it also carries significant risk. In contrast, trading for established players through future considerations provides a more predictable path towards improving a team’s performance in the present.

Comparison with Player Swaps

Player swaps involve trading one player for another player of relatively equal value. This type of trade can be useful for addressing specific positional needs on a roster or balancing out salary cap issues. However, while player-for-player trades have their benefits, they do not offer the same level of flexibility as future considerations.

“There are always tough decisions when it comes to which assets we should move, but we think this transaction will benefit our team both now and in the future” -Kevin Cheveldayoff

This quote from Winnipeg Jets General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff emphasizes the strategic advantage of using future considerations in trades. By exchanging potential future assets, teams can address immediate needs while still holding onto valuable current assets. This makes future considerations an attractive option for teams looking to balance immediate success with long-term sustainability.

Comparison with Conditional Picks

Conditional picks are similar to draft picks, but with a specific condition attached. For example, a team might receive a higher round pick if a traded player reaches a certain statistical milestone or plays a certain number of games. These types of trades can provide additional incentive for a team to perform well, but again lack the certainty of acquiring established talent immediately.

“The problem with conditional picks is evaluating them when they come due. Teams rarely want to give up first-rounders, but if the conditions are met and you’re left without that pick, all of a sudden it stings” -Elliotte Friedman

This quote from NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reinforces the inherent risk involved in trading for conditional picks. While there is potential upside, there is also the possibility of losing out on valuable assets if the conditions for a higher pick are not met. With future considerations, teams can avoid this uncertainty by exchanging assets that they already know the value of.

What You Need to Know Before Including Future Consideration in an NHL Trade

Future consideration is a term used in trades where compensation for a player or draft pick is agreed upon but will not be fulfilled until a later date. This type of trade can be useful to both teams involved, but it also carries inherent risks that need to be considered before finalizing the deal.

Factors to Consider Before Including Future Consideration

The first thing to think about when considering future consideration is the likelihood of the conditions attached to the compensation being met. These conditions could be anything from the team making the playoffs to a specific player hitting a certain number of goals or assists over the course of their contract with the new team.

In some cases, these conditions may seem like foregone conclusions, such as if a team is trading for a superstar player who has consistently performed well throughout their career. However, even highly skilled players are subject to injury and other unforeseen circumstances, which could prevent them from reaching the specified benchmarks. It’s important to consider all possibilities when negotiating future consideration and ensure that the conditions are realistic and feasible.

Another factor to consider is the overall value of the future consideration compared to what is being given up by the team. If the compensation is worth significantly less than the player or pick being traded, it may not be worth taking on the additional risk associated with it. On the other hand, if the future potential payoff is substantial, it may be worth taking the gamble.

How to Mitigate Risks Associated with Future Consideration

There are several steps that teams can take to mitigate the risks associated with including future consideration in a trade. One option is to negotiate protections into the deal that limit the amount of future consideration owed if certain conditions aren’t met. For example, a team may agree to owe only half of the originally agreed-upon compensation if a player fails to hit their performance targets.

Another option is to structure deals so that they don’t rely exclusively on future considerations. For instance, a team could agree to trade a player for both a draft pick and future consideration. This way, even if the conditions attached to the future consideration aren’t met, the team still receives some compensation for the player.

“Anytime you’re dealing with future considerations, there’s going to be risk involved. It’s important to do your due diligence and consider all possible outcomes before making a deal.” -Dave Nonis

Including future consideration in an NHL trade requires careful consideration of all possible risks and rewards. Teams must weigh the potential benefits against the likelihood of meeting the established conditions, as well as ensure that appropriate protections are included to minimize any losses stemming from failed contingencies. By approaching these types of trades thoughtfully and strategically, teams can make deals that benefit everyone involved while minimizing overall risk.

Frequently Asked Questions