To All AHL Players:

This correspondence is intended to provide useful information regarding the AHL Playoffs and we strongly recommend that you review the content below to ensure you understand your rights as it pertains to playoff bonus/compensation.

Please note that the AHL made modifications to their By-Laws during the 2013-14 season as it pertains to the Playoff Rosters. During the Playoffs, no players other than those included on the team’s Reserve List upon the completion of the regular season, on loan to it, or on emergency or free recall to a loaning club, players eligible under AHL By-Law 26, signed draft choices and players signed to an amateur tryout after their Junior hockey team has concluded competition in the regular season or playoffs, shall be eligible to participate for the team and may play only for that AHL team while in the AHL, for the balance of the playoffs.

Each team has to provide a Clear Day List that consists of 22 playoff eligible players (including goaltenders) signed to a NHL or AHL SPC or AHL PTO and serves for the purposes of the AHL-PHPA CBA – Playoff Pool. The Clear Day List has to be submitted no later than 3:00pm EST Monday, April 21, 2014.

Clear Day List / Playoff Pool (Article VI, Section 4 – p. 12 of AHL-PHPA CBA)

The definition of the term “Players” shall include all Players on the Member Club’s clear day list on the “clear day” date and not otherwise transferred or reassigned to another Professional Hockey Club under the terms of that Player’s contract. The definition of the term “Players” shall not include coach, general manager or trainer, but shall be limited to actual Players. The distribution of the playoff pool shall be made on the basis of 22 shares for 22 Players. Any lesser number of Players per team shall share pro-rated the 22 shares, and any greater number of Players per team shall be the responsibility of the individual team. The clear day list is to be posted in the dressing room upon receipt from League Office.

IMPORTANT: Playoff Bonuses for players eligible to play in the playoffs under an NHL or AHL SPC or AHL PTO, but that are NOT included on the Clear Day List, are the responsibility of the individual team. However, there is no guarantee that the team will provide a playoff bonus or compensation. It is highly recommended that all Players NOT included on the Clear Day List, speak to their General Manager (or have their agent speak to the GM on their behalf) about receiving a playoff share, prior to their commencement of the Playoffs.  In other words, players should be fully aware of what their potential playoff bonus/compensation could be well in advance of the playoffs.

Players not signed to a NHL or AHL SPC or AHL PTO are not covered by the AHL-PHPA CBA and have to negotiate their playoff compensation with their team.

Please ensure all agreements are put forth in a written document to make certain both parties understand their respective obligations in order to limit misunderstandings or misrepresentations.  

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns at 1-800-565-0716 or at sfrechette@phpa.com.

Thank you and good luck to those of you advancing to the playoffs.

Simon Fréchette
Director of Hockey Operations
Professional Hockey Players’ Association