It's been almost a week since the S59 SHL draft concluded. It's been almost a week since the start of Free Agency. In that time, we've seen many free agent signings and draft signings. One massive signing was Seattle locking up Michael Scarn for the next season. It's a fun time as we see movement throughout the league, whether it be free agents moving to a new city or deals being made to free up cap space. For some players though, it is an incredibly frustrating time. A time where you are unsure if you'll get a contract, if you'll be playing in the SHL again. This is the case for free agent Justin Keahi, who has yet to be presented a contract by any team.

"It's frustrating, you know? First before the draft I'm told that they might shop me around, that they have to bring some players up or risk losing them to waivers. I get it, you don't want to lose anyone for free. I get a few updates from the general manager telling me that there might be a deal in place, but you never know. So I sit and wait, unbothered if I'm traded or not. Then the draft hits, and honestly I don't think anything of it. I know Tampa is looking to trade their picks and move around, but it seems to last minute for them to move me. So the draft passes and I'm looking at my phone. Free agency is the next day, and not a single message. Nothing about a new contract. Just radio silence. The day passes, and next thing I know it's free agency."

The aggressive forward had an interesting season this past year. Falling just shy of the 30 point mark, the forward showed up more on the physical side of the statistics. A total of 100 penalty minutes, six fights, 58 shots blocked, and 225 hits put Keahi as one of the most physical player the Barracuda iced this season. Despite these stats though, Keahi has yet to hear from any teams regarding a contract.

"It's shocking to be honest. Usually, Tampa has contacted me about a new contract before the draft, or hours after free agency. This year, nothing. No contracts have been sent to my agent with them, it's just be dead air. Do I want to return to Tampa? Of course, I want to go all the way with this team. When you don't get a contract offer, it gets frustrating. I've put a lot of hard work to make this team, and made the sacrifices same as everyone else to help build this team from a joke into a playoff hopeful. I'm not out here to burn bridges, I'm out here to get paid to play hockey. Right now, I have no contract in place that will allow me to play hockey and get that dosh.

Then it's been almost a week since free agency opens, and no teams have contacted me? I'm sitting here waiting, thinking maybe a team needs a hard-nosed player like me. You know how much money has been offered to me? A big fat goose egg. That's right, nothing. Nada, zilch, zero money has been offered to me. I had one team come in and discuss potentially bringing me in, but no hard offer was made. No amounts were thrown out. I'm sitting here, thinking to myself, 'Is this my last year? Is my role not needed, do teams not need physical players?' It's frustrating to be sitting at home, wondering if I'm going to play hockey this season. I'm putting in the work on and off the ice, but I'm not getting any offers.

I might as well just start looking up the local ice rinks and seeing if any beer leagues need me. It might be the only way I'll play hockey this season. Maybe I'll start looking at international rosters, see if there is a role for me somewhere in the IIHF. I'm here to play hockey and work hard, but right now all I can do is work hard. It's frustrating being this talented, but not getting the chance to continue to show why I'm one of the best physical player in the world right now."

Seemingly strong words coming from Keahi, who hopes to enter his fourth season of competition in the SHL. Many interesting topics to pick out of this interview, ranging from the lack of contracts to the possibility of him transferring into an IIHF nation to be able to play hockey. Here's hoping the young winger gets a chance to play somewhere in the SHL this season.