Unrestricted NHL Free Agents
- The 27-or-7 Benchmark
As of 2008, any player whose contract has expired can declare himself an unrestricted free agent if he is at least 27 years old or has at least seven years of service as an NHL player.
Between 2005 and 2008, the age of unrestricted free agency declined from 31 to 27. More details here.
- July 1
The free agency period begins on the first day of July. At that point, an unrestricted free agent is free to negotiate and sign a contract with any NHL team.
- No Compensation
Teams losing unrestricted free agents do not receive any compensation.
Under the old collective agreement, which expired in 2005, draft picks were awarded as compensation.
Next page: Restricted Free Agents and Offer Sheets
