Entry Level Contract - # of Years

The length of the Entry Level contract is outlined in the CBA Section 9.1b:

Signing Age*     Years of ELC

18-21                   3 Years

22-23                   2 Years  

24                        1 Year

25+                       No Limit & Not-Entry Level if drafted from North America

25-27**                 1 Year if drafted from Europe

*Signing Age is age on September 15 of calendar year in which first contract is signed, regardless of actual age when contract signed.

**Players who played in Europe at the time they were drafted and sign their first NHL contract at ages 25-27 sign a 1 year Entry Level Deal. If the European Player has not signed a contract by age 28, he is not subject to an Entry Level Contract