The International Ice Hockey Federation is not expected to issue a ruling on the Martin Frk situation until Aug. 18 or later.
IIHF spokesman Szymon Szemberg told Metro on Thursday the Czech Hockey Federation — on behalf of HC Karlovy Vary — has filed a document claiming Frk has a valid and binding contract with the ExtraLiga club.
That contract would prevent the 16-year-old left-winger from joining the Mooseheads, who drafted him third overall in June’s Canadian Hockey League import draft.
Hockey Canada has until Aug. 18 to file a response, at which point the IIHF will investigate.
“The IIHF’s legal department will look into both letters and make a decision whether the player is under a valid and binding contract,” Szemberg said. “If this is the case, the Czech federation will have the right not to sign the International Transfer Card which will consequently mean the ITC and the transfer will not be approved.”
One agent told Metro if the Czech Hockey Federation can prove Frk has a valid contract, the Mooseheads’ “only option is to buy his release,” and that could be costly.
