NHL Sends Memo to Blackhawks, All Teams: Strict Reminder on Pending UFA Negotiating Rights

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NHL Sends Memo to Blackhawks, All Teams: Strict Reminder on Pending UFA Negotiating Rights

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Tony Marchese | Last updated May 29, 2026 3:44 PM ET

The NHL has issued a league-wide memo reminding all 32 teams of the rules regarding pending unrestricted free agents, with the Chicago Blackhawks’ situation involving forward Ilya Mikheyev serving as the apparent catalyst.

According to Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman, the memo, sent on or around May 29, 2026, warns teams that allowing upcoming unrestricted free agents to speak with other clubs before their rights are properly traded is a violation of league rules. Violations can carry severe penalties, including fines of up to $5 million, suspensions, and loss of draft picks.

The Mikheyev Situation

Mikheyev, 31, is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2026. The speedy two-way winger has been a reliable middle-six contributor for the rebuilding Blackhawks, particularly strong on the penalty kill and at even strength. He projects for 15–20 goals per season without power-play time.

Last week, Friedman reported that the Blackhawks were shopping Mikheyev’s negotiating rights across the league, signaling they were unlikely to re-sign him at the term and salary he might command in free agency. This week, Friedman added that the NHL is cracking down on any informal “permission to talk” arrangements.

“The league’s like, no, that’s not allowed. If you want to straight-up trade his rights to another team for a pick, you do that. You can’t just give him permission to talk to everybody.” — Elliotte Friedman

The memo reinforces that teams must formally trade a player’s negotiating rights before other clubs can engage in substantive contract discussions.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

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