I just noticed that guys like Leino and Brunnstrom are will be RFAs when there current contracts expire?

Under the current CBA the age a player is considered an UFA actually has been changing every year but will remain at 27 after this current season. Here is an exert from nhl.com regarding when someone becomes an UFA.

Unrestricted Free Agency - For the 2005-06 season, a player age 31 with four accrued seasons will be an unrestricted free agent; in 2006-07, a player age 29 with four accrued seasons or with eight accrued seasons; in 2007-08, a player age 28 with four accrued seasons or with seven accrued seasons; beginning in 2008-09 and for the duration of the agreement, a player age 27 with four accrued seasons or with seven accrued seasons will be an unrestricted free agent. For purposes of qualifying for unrestricted free agency, the 2004-05 cancelled season will be counted as a year of accrued service.

So the way I understand it, any player younger than 27 or that hasn't played in at least 4 seasons is a RFA.

Leino signed a multi year contract with the Red Wings. And Brunstrom with Dallas. Neither one will be an RFA for at least 2 years. If another team were to try and sign them Detroit & Dallas have the right to match them or take a compensation draft pick.(how high a draft pick would be decided by an arbatrator).Until they become Unrestricted free agents after their 5th NHL season. I know both players, before they were offered a contract, were told by the Wings that they'd have to make the NHL roster. Nothing would be given to them. Brunstrom decided to sign elsewhere knowing it'd be almost impossible to crack Detroit's starting line up. Leino chose to sign and is down in Grand Rapids in the Wings minor league team. He'll probobly be wearing the Winged wheel next year after Marion Hossa leaves. Or If he's needed for the playoffs. I don't see either one of them leaving either team soon unless there's a trade or either team wants to manuver to open up cap space. Detroit is absolutely loaded with talent down in the minors. They have eaisly 4-5 guys that should prob be in the NHL right now but there's nowhere to put them.: Helm, Abdelkater, Meech, Leino, Quincey and Erickson. (Quincey was caught in a numbers game and had to be put on waivers where L.A. picked him up. To show how well they draft, teach and how deep the Wings are, Quincey is currently on LosAngeles' 1st line defense and powerplay. Not bad for a guy off waivers.

I think that even though they were signed as UFA's, they are still on their entry level contracts?? Best guess anyway.

After the 3 year entry level contract....they then become RFA's.

For UFA it then becomes 27years old or 7 years in the NHL.

Was I the only one to actually answer your Q? LOL........I am 90% sure that is accurate because even though they were UFA's.......they are still rookies.......thus the rookie contract...........thus the RFA status afterward.

To the best of my knowledge it has to do with age, until 25 I believe... but I thought Leino was 25? Or a certain games played... one of those two or a combination of both. Thank God Leino is restricted... hopefully the Wings can re-sign him!

Hi

They still fall under the same rule of free agency as everyone else that deals with age and games played. Rather a player is drafted or signed as a free agent once signed he falls under the same league rules as anyone else.

Thank You