NHL deadline passes, leaving several NCAA players as free agents

The August 15 deadline for NHL teams to sign unsigned NCAA draft picks has passed, resulting in several players becoming unrestricted free agents.

Among those entering free agency are Jack Smith, whose rights were relinquished by the Montreal Canadiens, and players including Chase Clark, Kienan Draper, Tyson Dyck, Owen McLaughlin, Joe Miller, and Cal Thomas.

Kienan Draper, son of four-time Stanley Cup champion Kris Draper, has signed a two-year deal with the Detroit Red Wings' AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins, following his collegiate career at the University of Michigan. Similarly, Owen McLaughlin has signed with the Philadelphia Flyers' AHL affiliate, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, after not receiving a direct NHL contract.