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What Would Motivate Auston Matthews If Money Didn’t?
What Would Motivate Auston Matthews If Money Didn’t?
6 NCAA Players Become UFAs After Aug. 15 NHL Signing Date Passes
The August 15th deadline has passed for unsigned NHL draft picks finishing their NCAA careers. Six players have now become unrestricted free agents. College players must be signed to their entry-level contracts by their drafting teams by Aug. 15th following their fourth year of undergraduate eligibility, or they become UFAs. With that, here are the six that are now back on the open market as of today, in alphabetical order. Chase Clark (Canisius), 6th rd. pick by Washington Capitals, 2021 Kienan Draper (Michigan), 7th rd. by Detroit Red Wings, 2020 Tyson Dyck (Wisconsin), 7th rd. by Ottawa Senators, 2022 Owen McLaughlin (Boston U.), 7th rd, Philadelphia Flyers, 2021 Joe Miller (Harvard), 6th rd., Toronto Maple Leafs, 2020 Cal Thomas (Minnesota), 6th rd. Arizona/Utah, 2022 Now, none of these players were going to move the needle for any of their drafting clubs. One recognizable name, however, is Draper, the son of former Red Wings' four-time Stanley Cup champion, Kris Draper. Kienan was selected by his hometown team back in 2020, but after an unremarkable four years at University of Michigan (he topped out with 18 points in 40 games this past season), he didn't make enough of an impact to earn a contract with the big club. He did play a couple of games with their AHL affiliate to finish out the season, and he will return there for the coming year after signing a two-year deal with Grand Rapids. Kienan Draper, son of four-time Stanley Cup Champion, Kris Draper @DetroitRedWings , makes his pro debut tonight in Des Moines for @griffinshockey after completing his collegiate career @umichhockey pic.twitter.com/eGToZRBrM4 — Bob Kaser (@bkaser1) April 15, 2026 The other name of note, as explained by Tyler Kuehl of Daily Faceoff , is McLaughlin. He wasn't offered a contract with the Flyers, but he will stay under their watchful eye, as he's signed a deal with their AHL affiliate, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. He showed the team something in 13 games with their ECHL teamthe Reading Royals, to finish off last season, with eight points and a +2 rating in those 13 games.
Why Maple Leafs fans need to pay close attention NHL expansion
Toronto Maple Leafs need to keep an eye on NHL expansion, even if the league's next team will still take a while to hit the ice.
How Gavin McKenna unlocks Auston Matthews on and off the ice
Gavin McKenna's arrival in Toronto does more than bolster the lineup. The 2026 No. 1 overall pick can act as a media buffer, relieving pressure from Auston Matthews.
Maple Leafs lose exclusive NHL rights to former draft pick despite keeping him in their system
Toronto lost the draft rights to Joe Miller though have kept him in their system via the ECHL but that doesn't mean an NHL team can't come along and sign him away.
Is this goal total realistic of unfair for Auston Matthews?
TSN's OverDrive panel debated what the expectations should be for Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews in 2026-27. Is a 50-goal floor realistic or unfair?
Boston's centre ice crisis gives the Maple Leafs a major Atlantic opening
The Toronto Maple Leafs are looking to bounce back this season, and in order to do so, they must get past Atlantic Division teams like the Boston Bruins.
John Schneider provides unfortunate concussion update on Vladimir Guerrero Jr
John Schneider suffered seven documented concussions during his own playing career, and the risk of an eighth led him to retire in the spring of 2008.
Tributes pour in for longtime Flames radio voice Peter Maher
Tributes are pouring in following the death of longtime Calgary Flames radio play-by-play announcer Peter Maher. He was 79. Maher began his career with the Toronto Maple Leafs as a play-by-play announcer in 1977, before moving to the Flames in 1980 when the franchise relocated to Calgary. In addition to the Flames, Maher also lent…
Can Jim Hiller Make the Maple Leafs Better?
Can Jim Hiller Make the Maple Leafs Better?