I think it is?

There's a loose rumour that Edmonton and Montreal were in talks to attempt something similar with Klingberg last offseason.

Interesting. I don't think there is a rule against it. It's essentially the same thing as a sign and trade, but no one owns his rights and there is retention involved. It'd likely cost a team a hefty sum to get $2.5M x 3 years retained, though.

I remember this...I *think*, or feel like I remember there also being some talk about the league not being happy about it, or at least that it'd essentially look pretty heavily into it, because it could be considered tampering, since the trade would basically be done before the player was even under contract.

Don't know 100% though...it seems like it'd be a smart move for a cap floor team to pull off though-Imagine Anaheim retaining on Klinger right off the bat and getting that (expected) 1st round pick for him, instead of watching Eakins (and himself) drive his value into the absolute basement