With the 2021 NHL season in the books after Tampa’s 1-0 win over Montreal on Wednesday night, it’s officially the offseason. A delayed start due to the pandemic means that the NHL offseason will likely be a flurry of activity, most of it occurring in the month of July.
Here’s a quick glance at what’s coming for the rest of the month:
Key Offseason Dates
Saturday, July 17: Deadline is 4 p.m. for teams to their lists of protected players for the 2021 Expansion Draft. More details on the Blackhawks roster and eligibility for the expansion draft is available here.
Wednesday, July 21: The Expansion Draft begins at 7 p.m. on ESPN2.
Thursday, July 22: The moratorium on trade and waiver freeze and signing is lifted at 12 p.m.
Friday, July 23: The first round of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft is this evening, with the rest of the draft occurring the following day. The Blackhawks have the No. 11 overall pick in this year’s draft.
Monday, July 26: Final day to submit qualifying offers to restricted free agents. According to CapFriendly, the Blackhawks have six RFAs: forwards Pius Suter, Brandon Hagel, Adam Gaudette, David Kampf and Alex Nylander plus defenseman Nikita Zadorov.
Wednesday, July 28: Free Agency starts with the opening of the signing period at 11 a.m.
*All times central