Each offseason, several collegiate players become unrestricted free agents on August 15th if they have not signed with the team that drafted them or holds their signing rights. Once a player finishes their fourth season of NCAA competition, they must notify the NHL Central Registry that they are no longer enrolled in any college or university. This action starts the countdown for NHL teams to sign them. This season, far and away the most prominent option available is Cruz Lucius from the Pittsburgh Penguins. He spent last season at Arizona State University, scoring 15 goals and 46 points in 36 games.

Following is the list of players who will see their draft rights expire in a few days, unless they come to an agreement with the team that holds their signing rights:

Anaheim Ducks

F Kyle Kukkonen (2021, 162nd overall, University of Wisconsin)

Boston Bruins

D Mason Langenbrunner (2020, 151st overall, Harvard University)
G Philip Svedebäck (2021, 117th overall, Providence College)
F Oskar Jellvik (2021, 149th overall, Boston College)

Buffalo Sabres

F Stiven Sardaryan (2021, 88th overall, Michigan Tech)

Detroit Red Wings

F Kienan Draper (2020, 187th overall, University of Michigan)

Montreal Canadiens

F Jack Smith (2020, 102nd overall, Minnesota State University)

Nashville Predators

F Adam Ingram (2022, 82nd overall, St. Cloud State University)
F Benjamin Strinden (2022, 210th overall, University of North Dakota)
F Sutter Muzzatti (2023, 143rd overall, University of Notre Dame)

New Jersey Devils

F Samu Salminen (2021, 68th overall, University of Denver)
D Charlie Leddy (2022, 126th overall, Quinnipiac University)

New York Islanders

D Ryan Healey (2022, 121st overall, Harvard University)

Ottawa Senators

F Tyson Dyck (2022, 206th overall, University of Wisconsin)

Philadelphia Flyers

F Owen McLaughlin (2021, 206th overall, Boston University)

Pittsburgh Penguins

F Cruz Lucius (2022, 124th overall, Arizona State University)

Toronto Maple Leafs

F Joe Miller (2020, 180th overall, Harvard University)

Utah Mammoth

D Cal Thomas (2021, 171st overall, University of Minnesota)

Vegas Golden Knights

D Noah Ellis (2020, 184th overall, Sacred Heart University)

Washington Capitals

G Chase Clark (2021, 183rd overall, Canisius University)
D Joaquim Lemay (2021, 119th overall, Northeastern University)