The EP Rinkside 2024 NCAA Free Agency Guide

The draft has traditionally functioned as most players' entry point to the NHL, but it's not the only way to get there. For late-bloomers and the overlooked, free agency represents a second chance for players to earn their shot at a professional career, most often through college hockey.

This season, 71 such players have featured in at least one game of NHL action. There's a good chance that number will clear 80 when it's all said and done.

Most operate as bit players or organizational depth. A select few take on front-line roles, even as starting goaltenders. Much like the draft, you can expect a wide range of outcomes, but the numbers game remains the same: Most don't amount to much of anything at all.

The ceiling on these players is lower than most. The NHL Draft has become such an efficie