NHL - When does a player become an unrestricted free agent?

Question

In the NHL, when does a player get to be a UFA? I think there are requirements such as age and number of seasons played.

Thanks Everyone!

Answer 1

when his contract is up

Answer 2

In professional sports, a free agent is a team player whose contract with a team has expired, and the player is able to sign a contract with another team if that player is chosen.

Unrestricted free agents (UFAs) are players without a team. They have either been released from their club, had the term of their contract expire without a renewal, or were not chosen in league's draft of amateur players. These players, generally speaking, are free to entertain offers from all other teams and to decide with whom to sign a new contract.

The NFL is the only major sports league in the U.S. that requires you to have played at least four years in the league before becoming an unrestricted free agent.

Answer 3

When his contract runs out with the team or they cancel it.He is allowed then to sign with whoever he wants and for whatever he wants for money.

Answer 4

Beginning with the current CBA, a player must be 27 yrs old (regardless of service) OR have been in the NHL for 7 years AND at the end of their contract.

An example

Patrick Kane played his first NHL game at the age of 18.   He will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1st 2014 because he will have completed 7 seasons even though he'll only be 25

Fabian Brunnstrom will be 24 when he plays his first NHL game, he'll be eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2011 because he'll have reached the age of 27, despite not having played 7 years

So, basically, whichever comes first 7 years service or the age of 27, makes a player an unrestricted free agent.