NHL "Prospects"

[greatfox]

Can someone explain to me what exactly happens when a player becomes a "prospect" for an NHL club?
Are they locked into a particular club when they become a prospect? do they still have to go through the draft or can they sign independently of the draft?

 

[Peter Sidorkiewicz]

A player becomes a prospect when they are drafted or signed by an NHL club.

If a draft eligible player is not drafted, then clubs can sign them as a free agent assuming their are no other restrictions on the player - ie contracted to an overseas club.

Once drafted or signed by NHL club the player is locked into that club until the contract rights expire.

 

[TheStinger]

A lot of prospects are drafted from round 3 onwards and are usually younger guys that the club will leave at their present club/university until they are ready to join their AHL affiliate. Some but not all first round draft picks are ready to go straight to the NHL, but a lot of guys are long term projects that might turn into something along the way.