The EP Rinkside 2024 NCAA Free Agency Guide
Mon, 11 Mar 24 19:00:00 +0000
The draft has traditionally functioned as most players' entry point to the NHL, but it's not the only way to get there. For late-bloomers and the overlooked, free agency represents a second chance for players to earn their shot at a professional career, most often through college hockey.
This season, 71 such players have featured in at least one game of NHL action. There's a good chance that number will clear 80 when it's all said and done.
Most operate as bit players or organizational depth. A select few take on front-line roles, even as starting goaltenders. Much like the draft, you can expect a wide range of outcomes, but the numbers game remains the same: Most don't amount to much of anything at all.
The ceiling on these players is lower than most. The NHL Draft has become such an efficie
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