I think they can also offer them a bigger bonus than they would normally receive as a way of enticing them to forego college.

Hockey has a weird system where you can be drafted but still play in college. My alma mater had players that were playing in college but were already under some sort of contract with NHL teams. The NHL has a minor league system, so maybe playing in college is like being in the minors. You can do that if you want until (and if) they decide to call you up to the top league.
[Post edited by hucareshokiesrul at 01/09/2019 11:39AM]