With the season coming to an official end with the LA Galaxy being crowned as 2012 MLS Cup winners, the silly season has officially begun. Trades and signings are already announced by teams across the league as club’s look to revamp their lineups for 2013.
Part of that process is the Re-Entry Draft set for this Friday, December 7 (Stage 1) as well as December 14 (Stage 2), which gives clubs the chance to select 2012 roster players who meet certain conditions.
The Montreal Impact has made three players available for the draft: Josh Gardner, Shavar Thomas and Justin Mapp. Once placed on the list, the Impact is able to renegotiate with the player, if he is willing, and resign him before the draft begins.
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The Re-Entry process follows the reverse order of the 2012 Major League Soccer season standings. Clubs will be selecting players who fall under the following circumstances:
- Players, who are at least 23 years old, have a minimum of three years of MLS experience, and whose options were not exercised by their clubs (available at option salary for 2013).
- Players who are at least 25 years old, have a minimum of four years of MLS experience, were out of contract, and whose club did not offer them a contract at their previous salary (available at 2012 salary).
- Players who are at least 30 years old, have a minimum of eight years of MLS experience, were out of contract, and whose club did not wish to re-sign them (available for at least 105 percent of their 2012 salary).
Players who are not selected in the Stage 1 draft will be made available for Stage 2. Clubs that select players in Stage 2 must negotiate a new salary with any player not under contract.
Teams also have the option of passing on their selection.
Following this selection process, clubs will prepare for the 2013 SuperDraft, set for January 17, in Indianapolis, Indiana.
