Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

2026 NHL Offseason Need To Know Dates

Originally posted on Pro Hockey Rumors
By Marcus Antonelli | Last updated Jun 15, 2026 12:38 PM ET

The NHL offseason is officially underway with the Carolina Hurricanes defeating the Vegas Golden Knights in just six games, thus concluding the 2026 Stanley Cup Final. All 32 teams are now in summertime mode, and with that, there is not much rest, even for the Stanley Cup Champions in Raleigh. Throughout the next few weeks, teams have many dates on the calendar that they’ll need to prepare themselves for as the calendar continues to flip into the summer months.

Provided is an overview of some dates to look out for:

48 hours after the Stanley Cup Final, the NHL buyout window will open. NHL teams can only complete a buyout on a player’s contract from the start of that window until June 30th, when the timeframe closes at 5 p.m. ET. Of note, there is wiggle room where teams can also receive a second 48-hour buyout window if a player files for arbitration and the case is settled. This window applies only to players with more than a cap hit of $4MM AAV and who had been rostered by their team at the most recent trade deadline. Once a buyout occurs, a player becomes an unrestricted free agent and can sign with any team they choose.
The 2026 NHL Draft takes place on June 26-27, with the first round taking place on Friday, the 26th at 7 p.m. ET at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, NY. Rounds 2-7 will begin at 11 a.m. on the 27th, and all coverage will be provided on ESPN, ESPN+, SN, and TVAS. The Toronto Maple Leafs hold the No. 1 overall pick, with Gavin McKenna and Ivar Stenberg highlighted as the top skaters to be taken.
Restricted Free Agent qualifying offers are due on June 29th. For a team to be able to keep a player’s RFA status, it must make a Qualifying Offer. If a team does not provide a Qualifying Offer, their player can become a UFA. Qualifying Offers must be offered to the player by the later of Monday after the Draft or June 25. Notable names to make decisions on include top 2023 draft picks like Connor Bedard, as well as other Western Conference star scorers like Jason Robertson and Pavel Dorofeyev.

RFAs can begin discussions regarding offer sheets on June 30th. Offer sheets are contracts that other teams can present to a player whose rights are under an organization. If the player signs the contract, the original team that owns the player’s rights is given seven days, and therefore, the rights to match the terms of the initial offer. If not, they can receive compensation, such as draft capital from the team that offered the contract, based on the terms.
NHL Free Agency begins on July 1st at noon E.T. Unrestricted free agents are open to sign with any team , and their previous team receives no compensation. UFAs cannot sign contracts with new teams until the window opens, which is when we’ll ultimately see where top names like forward Alex Tuch and defenseman Darren Raddysh cash in, but where?
Deadline for Arbitration from eligible RFAs is due by July 5th at 5 p.m. ET. Based on the player’s age, years, and pro experience, they can elect to go to arbitration to settle the player’s next contract with the team. Teams can also elect for arbitration, but are limited to two per offseason. Ultimately, an arbitrator can only award up to two years on the next contract. Hearings can take place from July 20th, all the way through August 1st.

Photo Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on Pro Hockey Rumors and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: