If they leave their previous team the team that signs them can do so without having to award the previ ous team compensation. Like an unrestricted free agent they are free to negotiate with any team however the current team has the right to match any offer and if they do so they retain the rights to the player. Failure to meet the offer means the player is awarded to the new team but the new team must give the old team compensation in the form of draft picks. Their rights belong to their 1998 club provided they are made a minimum qualifying offer.
Current team has the right to match any offer.
If they refuse they are given compensation by the new team the player has sign ed to play for. Transitional Free Agents - Players who can negotiate with any club but current team retains matching rights.