Free Agent Markets Leave Hundreds of Rugby and NHL Players Uncontracted

As of mid‑July, 77 professional rugby players on the Provale list remained without a club for the upcoming season, matching last year’s levels. Of the 121 players on the list, only 44 had secured contracts, while clubs may still add a limited number of extra signings.

In the NHL, despite 272 contracts already signed for a total of more than $1.5 billion, several high‑profile veterans—including Patrick Kane, Patrik Laine, Vladimir Tarasenko and defenseman John Klingberg—were still free agents as the market entered its second half of the summer.