26 players set to become free agents on August 15th

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Josh Tupper
July 27, 2024 (11:11)

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26 NHL Drafted Prospects Set to Become Unrestricted Free Agents in August

August 15th marks a pivotal date in the NHL calendar, as the exclusive signing rights for drafted prospects exiting their final year of college will expire. This year, 26 prospects are set to become unrestricted free agents (UFAs) if they are not signed by their NHL clubs before the deadline. Among the notable names are Alexander Campbell and Ty Smilanic, third-round picks in 2019 and 2020, respectively.

While most players on this list will become free agents, six have already secured contracts elsewhere for the 2024-25 campaign�five in the AHL and one in Liiga, Finland's top division.

List of players who will have exclusive signing rights expire on Aug. 15th
- Jack Perbix (Anaheim Ducks)
- Quinn Olson (Boston Bruins) **signed with Ontario (AHL) for 2024-25.
- Liam Gorman (Chicago Blackhawks)
- Connor Kelley (Chicago Blackhawks)
- Cole Brady (Dallas Stars)
- Cooper Moore (Detroit Red Wings)
- Sam Stange (Detroit Red Wings)
- Carter Berger (Florida Panthers) **signed with Hartford (AHL) for 2024-25.
- Owen Lindmark (Florida Panthers)
- Ben Meehan (Los Angeles Kings)
- Ty Smilanic (Montreal Canadiens)
- Alexander Campbell (Nashville Predators) **signed with Milwaukee (AHL) for 2024-25.
- Ethan Haider (Nashville Predators) **signed with Milwaukee (AHL) for 2024-25.
- Bryce Brodzinski (Philadelphia Flyers)
- Chase Yoder (Pittsburgh Penguins)
- Alex Young (San Jose Sharks)
- Nick Capone (Tampa Bay Lightning)
- Eamon Powell (Tampa Bay Lightning)
- McKade Webster (Tampa Bay Lightning)
- Veeti Miettinen (Toronto Maple Leafs) **signed with KalPa (Liiga) for 2024-25.
- Carson Bantle (Utah Hockey Club)
- Jack Malone (Vancouver Canucks) **signed with Utica (AHL) for 2024-25.
- Matthew Thiessen (Vancouver Canucks)
- Ryder Donovan (Vegas Golden Knights)
- Harrison Blaisdell (Winnipeg Jets)
- Logan Neaton (Winnipeg Jets)

Among the prospects, Alexander Campbell and Ty Smilanic are particularly noteworthy. Campbell has already signed with the Milwaukee Admirals (AHL), while Smilanic, a former third-round pick, remains unsigned but is a notable talent that teams will be keen to watch.

The weeks leading up to August 15th will be crucial for these players. Teams will have the opportunity to secure their talents with entry-level contracts. However, if they fail to do so, these prospects will hit the open market as unrestricted free agents, potentially drawing interest from other NHL teams looking to bolster their rosters with fresh talent.

As the deadline approaches, the NHL community will be watching closely to see which prospects secure contracts with their current teams and which will explore new opportunities as UFAs. This period presents a unique chance for teams to reinforce their lineups and for players to find new homes and continue their professional careers.

Stay tuned for updates on the fate of these 26 prospects as the August 15th deadline approaches.

Source: Blade of Steel
26 NHL prospects set to have exclusive signing rights expire next month