Good afternoon SHL,

In order to prevent any future issues arising from the classification of players following the draft, we have opted to modify, and clarify, the rules around drafted players and their status. The changes are detailed in the link below, and should make it clear exactly when and how players can become RFAs or UFAs, based upon the relevant activities of the parties involved.

The primary difference to be concerned about is that drafted players will no longer be owned by a team for a full three seasons automatically: rather, teams will be expected to at minimum present a qualifying offer in order to retain their rights. Players who are qualified but not signed will be eligible to become Restricted Free Agents one season after their draft year. However, there are wider changes to wording to accompany this, so we recommend everyone read through them accordingly.

These changes will ideally offer greater protection to newly drafted players to ensure that they always have an opportunity to secure an SHL-level contract, even in the event of being drafted by a team that for one reason or another has no room for them. They should also make it clearer to general managers the status of any new draft picks who hold out over their contract. These changes will be edited into the rulebook as soon as possible, but will be considered effective immediately.

Please find the attached document for detailed changes:

RFA Changes

If you have any questions, feel free to let us know.