Unrestricted Free Agent (UFA) - Any player with four or more accrued seasons and an expired contract; free to negotiate and sign with any team. An accrued season is when a player spends at least six regular season games on a club's active/inactive, reserve/injured or reserve/physically unable to perform lists.

Restricted Free Agent (RFA) - A player with three accrued seasons and an expired contract. RFAs are free to negotiate and sign with any team, but their original team can offer them a qualifying offer that can come with the right of first refusal and/or draft-pick compensation.

Exclusive Rights Free Agent (ERFA) - Any player with fewer than three accrued seasons and an expired contract. If his original team offers him a one-year contract at the league minimum (based on his credited seasons), the player cannot negotiate with other teams.