WHL - Have Rights but Can't Sign?

[Lumpylo5]

I have a WHL team and just finished the import draft. I drafted two Swedes (both of whom are free agents right now), but when I try to sign them I get the message "Moose Jaw and other teams from the Western Hockey League are not allowed to acquire players from regions that are protected by other Major Junior Leagues." I'm pretty sure Sweden is not the exclusive region of any Major Junior league, so what gives?

[Manimal]

There might be a date as to when you can sign your picks. I am not totally sure as it was a while ago I played the WHL

[Animal31]

I dont think there is, as soon as you have the guys rights you should be able to sign him
but try simming till July 1st, and see what happens

[Lumpylo5]

What ended up happening is that they were signed by other teams, and then I was able to bid for them. Apparently it isn't possible to sign European free agents even when you have their rights, and this means you have to wait at least another year to get them.

The WHL is turning out to be a real headache. There are gobs of rules that aren't listed anywhere. Apparently I can't have more than two 16-year olds on my squad (a real problem since I signed a whole bunch and exceeded the limit by 12). Also, it looks like I can't sign free agents once the season starts. Seriously, can't the game list rules like this somewhere? I really worked myself into a box.

Edit: PS - July 1st came and went with no change, in case you were wondering if the date made a difference. The Europeans were still unsignable until they were employed.

[Animal31]

The rules are listed in the league info
IE only 2 16 year olds, 2 euros, and 3 over agers

its easy to get a hang of when you have a managing theory

Scout your 16 year olds in camp, find the 2 best 16 year olds you have, give them some extra time in camp, sign the rest and laon them out to the BCHL, AJHL, sask, or manitoba leagues.

Try to note your 19 year olds the season before they become over agers and see who you want to keep next year. Only keep 3 on contract. If an NHL team sends someone down, its ok

[Lumpylo5]

I can see the rule about overage players in the league info, but there's nothing about underage players.

[Manimal]

I can see the rule about overage players in the league info, but there's nothing about underage players.

It is a hidden rule. Not shown anywhere in game, IIRC

[Animal31]

You can "See it" when you have your 16 year olds in camp, and you can play all of them, but when the season rolls around you can only dress 2 at a time