The New York Rangers as well as many other teams are working through visa issues with players overseas on expiring contracts. Earlier this week we noted that the NHL and NHLPA advised players overseas to return to North America or work with teams on a renewal application before June 30th. The original report failed to make the distinction that this only impacts players whose contracts expire on June 30th.
Jesper Fast UFA
Jesper Fast will become a UFA at the conclusion of this “season”. However, the NHL end of year calendar date is June 30th and July 1st signals the beginning of free agent frenzy.