Isn't that depending on when free agency starts?
What if it's in the fall again?
Same thing happened to Nikolai Prokhorkin this year. He turned 27 in September. Free agency technically didn't start until October 9th, meaning he was 27 when he became a UFA. However, since he was still 26 on July 1, he was a RFA when his contract expired and the Kings retained his rights for one more year.
No matter what, I think the NHL would rather play a shortened season than still be playing in September. The 20-21 season will end 1.5 months later than usual max. and it’ll be much easier to plan for 21-22, because they’ve already planned the previous season. Even if 20-21 ends in August, 21-22 shouldn’t be delayed any more than a month.
It is good to hope for the best but plan for the worst.
Same thing happened to Nikolai Prokhorkin this year. He turned 27 in September. Free agency technically didn't start until October 9th, meaning he was 27 when he became a UFA. However, since he was still 26 on July 1, he was a RFA when his contract expired and the Kings retained his rights for one more year.
Terrific DEAL for the Sabres and for him. He still can get a bigger contract in a few years if he proves even more how he can play. Smart move all around and the Sabres are definitely on the way up.