The NHL's free-agent period usually opens at noon ET on July 1. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic's effect on the league's calendar, it's been shifted to Friday, Oct. 9. With the salary cap remaining at $81.5 million for 2020-21, it could affect where the top unrestricted free agents sign and how much they'll get on their new contracts.
Several notable players could be poised to test the market. St. Louis Blues defenseman Alex Pietrangelo will interest clubs seeking a top-two blueliner. Teams in need of a scoring winger will pursue Arizona Coyotes left wing Taylor Hall.