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# NHL key dates and times
- URL: https://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/nhl-key-dates-and-times/
- Published: 2016-06-24T14:12:49.000Z
- Updated: 2016-06-24T14:12:49.000Z
- Description: There's a lot happening in the next few days as free agent frenzy begins tonight. Get the exact times and dates sorted out now, so you don't show up late to sign Steven Stamkos.
- Author: Cathy Squires
- Tags: #chorus, #Import 2023-04-05 11:01

#### NHL Draft

7 p.m. tonight: [Auston Time!](https://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/how-to-watch-the-2016-nhl-draft-live-stream-time-tv-coverage/) And the rest of the first round too.

Round two starts off the draft tomorrow at 10 a.m.

#### UFA Players

UFA players may meet with any club beginning at midnight tonight.

#### RFA Players/Qualifying Offers

Teams must have submitted qualifying offers to RFAs by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on June 27\. Players that don't recieve a QA, automatically become UFAs.

RFA players may meet with any club beginning June 28.

#### Buyout Window

The buyout window closes on June 30 at 5 p.m. Eastern Time, so players to be bought out must be on waivers by noon on the 29th.

#### Contracts

At noon Eastern Time on July 1, UFAs and RFAs may sign contracts and RFAs may accept their qualifying offers.

#### Arbitration

Eligible players who want to elect arbitration have to do it by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on July 5\. That same time marks the beginning of the second period for team-elected arbitration. They have 24 hours to make the election.