Collegiate free agents will not be able to sign NHL contracts until July 1st

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Mike Armenti
March 15, 2020 (10:04 PM)

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The hockey world is still standing by, idly, awaiting further instruction from the NHL and its board of governors following the pause of the 2019-20 season amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

It has now been 4 days since the NHL has seen any action and fans are beginning to get restless and more pessimistic about the status of the season and the playoffs that were set to follow.

In the case of players, the unrest and uncertainty has hit a fever pitch as teams have mandated a self-isolation period that players are expected to abide by, within the cities for whom they play.

The NHL players aren't the only ones who are being impacted by the virus, as several other leagues have either paused or cancelled their seasons and playoffs, including the NCAA.

Normally, once the collegiate season concludes, college free agents have the opportunity to sign contracts with other clubs. Unfortunately for these players, they won't have the opportunity to turn pro this season.

As TSN's Pierre LeBrun reports, all college free agent contract signings must be dated July 1, 2020 and will be in effect at the beginning of the 2020-21 season.

This may seem like a minor bump in the road for these players, however, considering that this period could have provided NCAA agents with valuable playing time on NHL ice, allowing them to showcase their skills ahead of the next season, putting them at more of an advantage to succeed at the next level.

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