Originally published on August 8th. The unsigned players are now unrestricted free agents and can sign with any team they choose.
In one week, 23 college players drafted by NHL teams are set to become unrestricted free agents if they fail to sign an entry-level contract. After August 15th, these players are eligible to sign with any team in the league. Several have already signed minor league deals but that does not technically retain their draft rights for the original club. None of the teams that drafted these players will receive any compensation for the expiring rights.
The full list:
Anaheim Ducks:
F Brent Gates, University of Minnesota (80th overall, 2015) – signed to AHL deal
D Steven Ruggiero, Lake Superior State University (178th overall, 2015) – signed to AHL deal
Buffalo Sabres:
F Christopher Brown, Boston University (151st overall, 2014) – signed to AHL deal
F Max Willman, Boston University (121st overall, 2014)
D Ivan Chukarov, University of Massachusetts (182nd overall, 2015) – signed to ECHL deal
Chicago Blackhawks:
F Beau Starrett, Cornell University (88th overall, 2014)
F Fredrik Olofsson, University of Nebraska-Omaha (98th overall, 2014) – signed in Sweden
F Liam Coughlin, University of Vermont (130th overall, 2014) – signed to AHL deal
F Jack Ramsey, University of Minnesota (208th overall, 2014) – signed to AHL deal
Detroit Red Wings:
G Chase Perry, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (136th overall, 2014)
Edmonton Oilers:
D Vincent Desharnais, Providence College (183rd overall, 2016) – signed to AHL deal
F J.D. Dudek, Boston College (152nd overall, 2014)
G Hayden Hawkey, Providence College (177th overall, 2014)
Florida Panthers:
F Joe Wegwerth, University of Notre Dame (92nd overall, 2014)
Minnesota Wild:
D Nick Boka, University of Michigan (171st overall, 2015) – signed to AHL deal
D Jack Sadek, University of Minnesota (204th overall, 2015) – signed to AHL deal
Montreal Canadiens:
D Nikolas Koberstein, University of Alaska-Fairbanks (125th overall, 2014)
Nashville Predators:
F Thomas Novak, University of Minnesota (85th overall, 2015) – signed to AHL deal
D Adam Smith, Bowling Green State University (198th overall, 2016) – signed to AHL deal
Ottawa Senators:
D Miles Gendron, University of Connecticut (70th overall, 2014) – signed to AHL deal
Philadelphia Flyers:
F Brendan Warren, University of Michigan (81st overall, 2015) – signed to ECHL deal
San Jose Sharks:
F Jacob Jackson, Michigan Tech University (201st overall, 2013)
G Jake Kupsky, Union College (193rd overall, 2015)
F Marcus Vela, University of New Hampshire (190th overall, 2015)
Washington Capitals:
D Chase Priskie, Quinnipiac University (177th overall, 2016)
F Steven Spinner, University of Nebraska-Omaha (159th overall, 2014)
The belle of the ball here is likely Priskie, who captained the Quinnipiac squad the last two seasons and was a Hobey Baker finalist in 2018-19. The right-handed defenseman scored 39 points in 36 games and was one of the most dynamic offensive defensemen in the country. Priskie is not expected to sign with the Capitals for a variety of reasons, but will be “highly sought after” according to Bob McKenzie of TSN earlier this year.
Other teams will be able to sign these players starting on August 16th, though it often takes a few days to become official.
Frisky for Priskie