The Canadiens risk losing the rights to a prospect next week

Félix Forget
The Canadiens risk losing the rights to a prospect next week
Credit: Capture d'écran/Twitter

August 15, while it doesn't usually steal the show, is a significant date on the NHL calendar. It's the date on which certain NCAA prospects—if they haven't signed a contract—can become unrestricted free agents.

We're talking about players who have completed four seasons in the NCAA and who, in theory, are set to graduate from college.

Generally, the names involved aren't top-tier prospects. But it's worth noting that the Canadiens have a prospect in this situation this year.

We're talking about Jack Smith, who was drafted in the fourth round (102nd overall) by the Canadiens in 2020. He has just completed his fourth year in the NCAA and has not signed a professional contract.

He will therefore be able, if he chooses, to become an unrestricted free agent in eight days.

It should be noted, however, that he will not necessarily become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) next week. The decision is actually up to him: if he wants to exercise his right, he will fill out the necessary paperwork and become a free agent.

But he could also choose not to exercise that right and decide to remain on the Canadiens' roster. As long as he doesn't sign the paperwork, he'll remain under the Canadiens' control.

Smith isn't a top-tier prospect, and his decision isn't likely to change much for the Canadiens. It's quite difficult (if not impossible) to imagine a scenario in which the 24-year-old forward would be part of the Habs' future plans, especially since Marc Bergevin (and not Kent Hughes) was the GM at the time of his draft selection.

But despite all that, the club could lose his rights (for nothing) within eight days. We'll see how it plays out.


In a Nutshell

– Obviously. The Red Wings don't have much leverage.

– What a career.

– Great photo.

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