The EP Rinkside 2024 CHL Free Agency Guide

CHL free agency represents an opportunity for those who slipped through the draft or couldn't come to terms with their drafting team to make their way to the NHL. 

In effect, these players represent the ultimate long shot – passed over two or three times in the draft, or gone unsigned.

But they are also low-risk bets, with the only real downside being the occupation of one-of-50 contract slots. Hardly a problem for most organizations. 

Over the years, CHL free agent signings have remained limited, usually just around four-to-six per year, but these players represent a non-insignificant chunk of the NHL. There are a handful of point producers like Jonathan Marchessault, Brandon Hagel, and Mason Marchment, and even more quality depth pieces like Tye Kartye and Darren Raddysh. Some received cont