There is no real offseason when it comes to the MLS, especially not behind the scenes. It can be a very busy time, with quite a few important events to prepare for. Before you know it, the Bleu-blanc-noir will be taking the field once again to kick off its 2018 season. In the meantime, here are the key offseason dates you can circle on your calendars:
Option Exercise Deadline: November 27
Less than two weeks away! Clubs no longer competing in the Audi 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs must notify the League Office in writing of players whose options they are exercising and/or players who are receiving bona fide offers. Stay tuned!
Half-day trade window: December 10 – 9:00 AM – 1:00PM
The freeze is over! Teams may adjust their rosters, as well as sign and trade players for a four-hour period. After the trade window closes, no more moves may be made until the expansion draft.
Expansion Draft – Free agency begins: December 12
This year, LAFC joins the MLS family as the second official team in Los Angeles and the 23rd team in MLS. Expansion drafts are often exciting and difficult to read, and can be very important for the team doing the poaching. Each team gets to protect 11 players, but are forced to leave the rest unprotected, to become bait for Bob Bradley to choose from. LAFC can select five players from the eligible player pool, and only one from each team.
MLS Waiver Draft: December 13
The MLS Waiver Draft consists of players who have been waived by their clubs, and who do not meet the minimum years of service required for re-entry into the draft or for free agency. The draft is conducted in reverse, the team with the least points picking first, considering post season performance as well. LAFC will pick 23rd.
2018 schedule to be released: January
Already excited to know what the Montreal Impact’s schedule is going to look like in 2018? January is just a stone’s throw away, and with the holidays just around the corner, it’ll be here in no time! Can 2018 come faster please?
adidas MLS Player Combine: January
The MLS player combine gives every MLS club’s technical staff a closer look at some of the prospects entering the 2018 draft. The combine has proven quite useful in the past, giving players a chance to shine in an environment where coaches and scouts from every MLS team can see you. This year, the combine will take place in Orlando, Florida.
2018 MLS SuperDraft: January
The MLS SuperDraft is one of the most important days of the year for MLS teams. The preparation that goes behind every pick is intense, and it’s a great opportunity to choose players from a large pool of talent. Last year, picking 19th in the first round, the Montreal Impact had selected American forward Nick DePuy.
