The Seattle Kraken recently signed 2024 third-round draft pick Kim Saarinen to an entry-level contract, bringing the team's total NHL contracts to 50. This milestone prompts discussion of the "50-Contract Rule," which limits how many players a team can have under NHL contract at any one time.
What exactly does this rule entail, and what does it mean now that Seattle has reached the 50-contract limit? Understanding this rule is crucial for fans, yet it often lacks clear explanation in public resources like Puckpedia or CapFriendly.
Contrary to popular belief, having 50 NHL contracts doesn't necessarily mean the Kraken can't make more signings this offseason. The rule, outlined in the NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), allows a maximum of 50 standard player contracts (SPCs) per team, with some exemptions. Notably, players signed to AHL or ECHL contracts, as well as certain junior-aged players, do not count toward this limit.
For instance, Seattle currently has exemptions for seven 18- and 19-year-old players who can be signed without impacting the 50-contract rule, including Saarinen and recent draftees. This flexibility means the Kraken can still pursue additional signings, such as restricted free agent Matty Beniers, without needing to shed contracts.
