1986 Rules Changes

Foreign Rights
Foreign players who are drafted can now have their rights retained but not be added to the formal team. These foreign players are paid but this does not count towards the wage cap. The value of these contracts is calculated normally. These foreign players will then play in their own foreign leagues, gaining experience (at a rate of 1 new player improvement) per year.

Foreign rights can be traded but this does not reset the timer on their contract.

These players can be retained on rights for five years. At the end of this period they must either be called up or made an unrestricted free-agent.

Exit Clause
A franchise may now add a last year exit clause into a contract which will allow them to end a contract when it enters into its final year without paying up the remainder of the contract.

2nd Round Draft Players
Players who were drafted during the 2nd round will be available to sign as professionals but will receive 50% (rounded up) of their normal contract fee as they are viewed as long-term prospects. The minimum contract value is $500

Half Season Contracts
A free-agent can be signed at the half season trade window for their normal contract value with a 50% cashback payable to the franchise.