Multiple Players Have NHL Draft Rights Expire – Pro Hockey Rumors

Multiple Players Have NHL Draft Rights Expire – Pro Hockey Rumors

June 2, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Sports

The NHL’s annual draft rights deadline has reshaped the futures of a group of prospects whose contracts expired today, sending them back into the 2026 Draft or into unrestricted free agency. The rule, tied to age and league affiliation, creates a pivotal moment for players whose teams failed to extend their entry-level deals—a decision that could redefine their careers.

Who Was Affected?

Two distinct groups face new opportunities—or challenges. Prospects in the Canadian Major Junior leagues (OHL, QMJHL, or WHL) who have played through their age-20 seasons will re-enter the 2026 Draft unless signed by their original teams. Those in Europe, meanwhile, become unrestricted free agents, though many may remain in pro leagues abroad.

The only exception is Toronto Maple Leafs’ 2025 draftee Matthew Hlacar, taken at 217th overall last year. After a modest season with the OHL’s Kitchener Rangers (6 goals, 12 points in 51 games), Toronto did not tender him a league-minimum entry-level deal, leaving his rights to expire.

Key Prospects Re-Entering the Draft or Becoming UFAs

The following players will either return to the 2026 Draft or become unrestricted free agents:

  • Defenseman Ales Cech (Mammoth, 5-153, 2024)
  • Defenseman Simon Forsmark (Hurricanes, 4-101, 2022)
  • Forward Max Graham (Penguins, 5-139, 2024) *(traded from Devils in March 2025)
  • Forward Petr Hauser (Oilers, 5-141, 2022) *(traded from Devils in March 2025)
  • Forward Nils Juntorp (Hurricanes, 6-188, 2022) *(traded from Blackhawks in January 2025)
  • Forward Gustav Karlsson (Sabres, 6-187, 2022)
  • Forward Maximilian Kilpinen (Red Wings, 4-129, 2022)
  • Defenseman Kasper Kulonummi (Predators, 3-84, 2022)
  • Forward Hunter Laing (Flames, 6-170, 2024)
  • Goaltender Ryerson Leenders (Sabres, 7-219, 2024)
  • Defenseman Nathan Mayes (Maple Leafs, 7-225, 2024)
  • Goaltender Landon Miller (Red Wings, 4-126, 2024)
  • Forward Kaden Pitre (Lightning, 6-181, 2024)
  • Forward Joel Ratkovic Berndtsson (Sabres, 7-202, 2022)
  • Forward Santeri Sulku (Flyers, 7-197, 2022)
  • Defenseman Albin Sundin (Oilers, 6-183, 2024)
  • Forward Riku Tohila (Blackhawks, 7-199, 2022)
  • Goaltender Jakub Vondras (Hurricanes, 6-171, 2022)
Did You Know? The NHL’s draft rights expiration rule was designed to prevent teams from hoarding prospects indefinitely. Players like Hlacar and those listed above now face a critical crossroads: either re-enter the draft—where teams may reassess their value—or become unrestricted free agents, allowing them to pursue contracts elsewhere.

Why Does This Matter?

For teams, this deadline forces a strategic decision: extend a prospect’s rights or risk losing them to another organization. For players, it could mean a second chance at a higher draft position—or the freedom to sign with any team in the league. European prospects, in particular, may leverage their newfound UFA status to secure contracts in leagues like the KHL or SHL, where opportunities abound.

Matthew Hlacar discusses his NHL Draft experience
Expert Insight: The expiration of draft rights is a double-edged sword. Teams that fail to tender deals may regret it if a prospect develops further, while players left unsigned could find themselves in a precarious position if their skills don’t align with NHL expectations. The 2026 Draft could see a wave of re-entered prospects, but those who become UFAs may command more attention—and potentially higher offers—from clubs looking to fill roster gaps.

What Happens Next?

For the CHL prospects, the next step could be a return to junior hockey, where they may refine their games before the 2026 Draft. Some may even attract interest from European clubs if they prefer professional play. European players, now UFAs, could sign with NHL teams or continue in leagues like the SHL or KHL, where development opportunities remain strong.

Teams holding rights to these players may now face pressure to secure them before the 2026 Draft, especially if scouts believe their potential has improved. Meanwhile, unsigned prospects like Hlacar could explore training camps or minor-league opportunities to keep their careers on track.

Frequently Asked Questions

[Question 1]

What happens if a CHL prospect isn’t drafted in 2026?

[Answer] They become unrestricted free agents, free to sign with any NHL team or pursue contracts elsewhere, including in Europe.

[Question 2]

Can a team that didn’t tender a deal now sign the player?

[Answer] No. Once draft rights expire, the player’s rights are released, and the team can no longer sign them unless they re-enter the draft or become a UFA.

[Question 3]

Will European prospects stay in their current leagues?

[Answer] Many may, as professional opportunities in Europe often align with their development needs, but some could seek NHL contracts if offers materialize.

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