When does NHL free agency start in 2022? Key dates, latest news & rumors for top available players

Bryan Murphy

When does NHL free agency start in 2022? Key dates, latest news & rumors for top available players image

The Stanley Cup was given out for the 2021-22 season, as the Avalanche were crowned the champions of 2022 after defeating the Lightning. ,Now it's officially onto the offseason, as teams begin to retool in hopes of taking the Avs' spot at the top of the NHL mountain. 

While the NHL Draft over, free agency is the next order of business for the HHL offseason. It's an opportunity for players to cash in after a career year, find a new contender to call home, or just simply get that next guaranteed contract. 

Teams have already been busy re-signing players before they hit the market, while others are waiting around for free agency to officially begin to seek out new ones. As always, it should be a crazy few weeks in the NHL.

MORE: Every NHL team's biggest offseason need

Here's what you need to know ahead of NHL free agency. 

When does NHL free agency start?

The market to sign free agents in 2022 begins on Wednesday, July 13, at noon ET.Players that are unrestricted free agents (UFAs) cannot begin meeting and talking with teams until that date and time. 

Teams can meet with any of the players currently on their team and negotiate a contract extension prior to the start of free agency. In addition, players that are set to be free agents can be traded to another team, and that club can then sign them before the market opens on Wednesday. 

Here are some other notable dates/times ahead of Wednesday's free agency. 

  • Monday, July 11, 5 p.m. ET: Qualifying offers due to RFAs
  • Tuesday, July 12: RFAs can be contacted for offer sheet discussion
  • Tuesday, July 12, 5 p.m. ET: First buyout window closes
  • Tuesday, July 12, 11:59 p.m. ET: UFAs lose ability to re-sign for eight years
  • Wednesday, July 13, 12 p.m. ET: UFA/RFA signing period opens.

NHL free agency rumors tracker

All times in Eastern Time. 

Monday, July 11

5:45 p.m.: As anticipated, a contract extension is coming between the Avs and Val Nichushkin. First reports are it's an eight-year deal with an AAV just above $6 million. 

5 p.m.: Evgeni Malkin is getting set to hit free agency after not coming to an agreement on a contract with the Penguins

2 p.m.: Andre Burakovsky appears to be heading to the market, although a return to the Avalanche is still a possibility

11:30 a.m.: Valeri Nichushkin and the Avalanche continue their talks on an extension

11:30 a.m.: Evander Kane to begin speaking with other teams, still hopeful to re-sign with Oilers

10 a.m.: Progress has been made between the Penguins and Evgeni Malkin on a new contract

9:30 a.m.: David Krejci could potentially be returning to the Bruins after a season in Czechia

9 a.m.: The Maple Leafs continue to explore a trade to acquire Senators goalie Matt Murray

Who are the top 2022 free agents?

Some of the top names have already been taken off the board. Filip Forsberg re-signed with the Predators on an eight-year deal, Ville Husso was traded to the Red Wings and inked a three-year deal, and Bryan Rust and Kris Letang both received new deals with the Penguins.

However, there are still plenty of options set to hit the market on Wednesday. 

1. Johnny Gaudreau, LW, Flames

Gaudreau picked the perfect year to break out for a career season. He was one of only eight players to hit 100 points this season. The Flames forward has found his offensive touch and is in for a big payday. There was an offer from Calgary, but it feels as though Gaudreau is heading elsewhere. 

2. Claude Giroux, C/W, Panthers

The longtime captain of the Flyers was traded at the deadline to the Panthers in order to try and win a Cup. If he fails to do so, it's likely he'll try and sign with a contender this offseason, but if he gets his ring, all options are on the table. After securing 42 points in 57 games in Philadelphia, he flourished down in Florida with 23 points in 18 regular season games. 

3. Nazem Kadri, C, Avalanche

One of the breakout stars of the season has been Kadri. In his third season in Colorado, he shattered his previous career-high of 61 points by registering 87 in 71 games this season. He also was able to wipe away the "playoff liability" narrative he carried with him for years, helping the Avs win the Cup. The 31-year-old certainly benefited from playing alongside star power with the Avalanche, so a major question is if he'll be able to recreate this season's success elsewhere.

4. Patrice Bergeron, C, Bruins

Bergeron continues to defy Father Time, putting one of the best defensive seasons we've seen out of a forward and winning a record sixth Selke. He reportedly has verbally agreed to a one-year extension with the Bruins, but nothing has been announced yet. 

5. Vincent Trocheck, C, Hurricanes

Other than Bergeron, you won't find a stronger two-way center in this free agency class than Trocheck. He locked down a role down the middle on a strong Hurricanes team and can be a great option for any team in need of a second-line center. 

6. John Klingberg, D, Stars

The puck-moving defenseman hasn't quite produced the same since he broke into the league in 2014, but he's one of the best defensemen available this summer. The fact that Klingberg's a right-handed defenseman also increases his market value, as well. 

7. Ondrej Palat, LW, Lightning

He's not the flashiest of players, but the Lightning don't have the success they have had in the last few years without Palat. The winger has been a consistent 40-point player with solid defensive play. The playoffs are where he shines most, with 94 points in 138 postseason contests after adding 21 in 23 games this past postseason. 

8. Evgeni Malkin, C, Penguins

The dynamic duo down the middle of Crosby-Malkin could be over in Pittsburgh. The Russian center is just not what he used to be, looking slow at times and making careless mistakes. But he still averaged over a point per game this season, albeit missing half the season. He's been pretty outspoken about how upset he is that he hasn't been re-signed yet, but a deal could be done before Wednesday. 

9. Valeri Nichushkin, RW, Avalanche

Outside of Kadri, no one increased their value this summer during the playoffs as much as Nichushkin. The big, hefty wing is excellent in his own zone and came through in the clutch multiple times during the Avs' playoff run. I do think that his production is a product of playing with Colorado's stars, but he's in for a pay day. 

10. Andre Burakovsky, LW, Avalanche

After an excellent regular season where he set new career-highs across the board with 22 goals, 39 assists and 61 points, Burakovsky is one of the Avs' many free agents. The young speedy forward has two Cup wins under his belt at just 27 and has shown he can play in a top-six role when surrounded by the right pieces. 

11. Evander Kane, LW, Oilers

The player drawing the most controversy this season, Kane was wrapped up in financial issues and allegations of domestic assault. Any team looking to stray away from bad PR might want to avoid Kane, but there's no denying the results on the ice. After signing with the Oilers in January, Kane had 22 goals in 43 games. 

12. Max Domi, LW, Hurricanes

Domi has bounced around a lot in his relatively young career. He's only 27, yet is on his fourth different team. He's struggled to fit into the system for multiple organizations, but perhaps someone can take a flyer on him this summer. The past results are there that prove what Domi is capable of when he's in the right situation. 

13. David Perron, LW, Blues

Perron just does not stop. The 33-year-old continues to prove he's still got a lot left in the tank after showing flashes over the years that he might be done. Since he always ends up back on the Blues (three separate stints with the team) it feels like it makes the most sense for St. Louis to just re-sign him. 

14. Darcy Kuemper, G, Avalanche

The Avs needed a No. 1 goalie this past season when Philipp Grubauer left in free agency and Kuemper delivered. The 32-year-old was reliable in net for Colorado, finishing in the top five in save percentage and wins. The age is a bit of concern, but he proved this year he's cut out to be a star starter. 

15. Rickard Rakell, RW, Penguins

A once-promising up-and-coming winger, Rakell has disappointed the last few seasons while he was in Anaheim. After he was acquired by the Penguins at the deadline, he had 13 points in 19 games played, but missed most of the first round after he was hurt in Game 1. Injuries need to be considered when looking at the 29-year-old. 

16. Reilly Smith, RW, Golden Knights 

Smith was one of a multitude of Vegas players to find themselves on the long-term injured reserve this season. The 31-year-old is showing signs of slowing down, but still could be a reliable middle-six option on the wing. He reportedly has verbally agreed to a six-year extension with the Golden Knights, but nothing was made official. 

17. Jack Campbell, G, Maple Leafs

Campbell is coming off an up-and-down season with the Leafs, his first as their starter. When he was on, he was one of the best goalies in hockey. When he was off, it was rough. Maple Leafs fans may want Campbell back, but can Toronto afford to keep him around?

18. Andrew Copp, C, Rangers

Outside of maybe Giroux, no other deadline acquisition made as much of an impact as Copp did with the Rangers. He was a consistent 25-35 point scorer with the Jets but exploded for 18 in 16 games with New York. His value is going to be at an all-time high heading into the offseason. 

19. Ryan Strome, C, Rangers

Strome finally found a home in New York these past few seasons, playing regularly as their second-line center. He hit 20 goals for the first time in his career. On a strong contender, I see Strome playing in the middle on a third line, but he certainly could play second on most teams. 

20. Josh Manson, D, Avalanche

Manson may not be the top-pair defenseman some thought he might be when he was in Anaheim, but he was a reliable second/third-pair option when the Avs traded for him. Being right-handed likely brings him more appeal in free agency, but Manson is no more than a No. 3 defenseman.  

Bryan Murphy

Bryan Murphy Photo

Bryan Murphy joined The Sporting News in 2022 as the NHL/Canada content producer. Previously he worked for NBC Sports on their national news desk reporting on breaking news for the NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL, in addition to covering the 2020 and 2022 Olympic Games. A graduate of Quinnipiac University, he spent time in college as a beat reporter covering the men’s ice hockey team.