As we get into the thick of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs, more teams are going to be sent packing and preparing for next season. While there will not be much action on the ice, there will be plenty of action behind the scenes leading up to the start of training camp for the 2021-22 season. NoVa Caps provides a list of key dates on the horizon over the offseason.
Official Dates
Tuesday, June 1-Sunday, June 6 – 2021 NHL Scouting Combine in Buffalo, New York
Saturday, July 17 – Deadline for Protection Lists for Expansion Draft (5 p.m. ET)
Wednesday, July 21 – Expansion Draft for Seattle Kraken (8 p.m. ET)
Friday, July 23 – Round 1 of NHL Draft (virtual)
Saturday, July 24 – Rounds 2-7 of NHL Draft (virtual)
Tuesday, July 27 – Last day for pending unrestricted free agents to sign eight-year contract with club that holds their rights
Wednesday, July 28 – Un/restricted Free Agent signing period begins (12 p.m. ET)
Thursday, August 15 – Unrestricted Free Agency For NCAA Players Opens
Wednesday, September 22 – Targeted Capitals Training Camp Opening
Monday, October 12 – Targeted Opening Night Of 2021-22 NHL Regular Season
Example Dates (based on previous offseasons/adjustments to NHL calendar)
The following are example dates for other offseason events to provide an idea of the potential range/neighborhood of dates for other typical offseason events.
Monday, June 28 – 2021 Hockey Hall Of Fame Inductees Announced
Tuesday, July 13 – Last possible day of Stanley Cup Final
Wedneday, July 14-Tuesday, July 27 – Buyout Period
Monday, July 19 – 2021 NHL Preseason Schedule Release
Wednesday, July 21 – NHL Home Openers Announced For 2021-22 Season
Thursday, July 22 – 2021-22 NHL Regular Season Schedule Release/GM Meetings/Deadline To Extend Qualifying Offers To Pending Restricted Free Agents At 5 PM ET
Monday, July 29-Saturday, August 3 – Capitals Development Camp
Sunday, August 1 – Deadline For Restricted Free Agents To File For Salary Arbitration At 5 PM ET
Monday, August 2 – Deadline For Teams To File For Salary Arbitration At 5 PM ET
Tuesday, August 17-Wednesday, September 1 – Salary Arbitration Hearings Held In Toronto, Ontario
Saturday, September 4-Tuesday, September 7 – Capitals Prospect Camp/Rookie Tournament in Estero, Florida
Tuesday, September 21 – Capitals Media Day/Physical Testing
Friday, September 24 – NHL Preseason Starts
By Harrison Brown
