While the 2025 NHL free agent period was less eventful than hoped, offering more of a whimper than a bang, fans anticipating significant moves have reason for optimism. The upcoming 2026 NHL free agency class possesses the potential to be one of the most explosive and noteworthy in league history.
In the days leading up to July 1st this year, several of the most prominent names projected to become available instead opted to remain with their current clubs. The Florida Panthers were notably successful in securing extensions for Sam Bennett, Brad Marchand, and Aaron Ekblad. John Tavares also committed to the Toronto Maple Leafs with a contract favorable to the team`s salary structure. Similarly, Matt Duchene and Brock Nelson signed new deals to stay with the Dallas Stars and Toronto Maple Leafs, respectively. Even high-caliber player Brock Boeser, who briefly hit the open market, ultimately chose to re-sign with the Vancouver Canucks.
Mitch Marner, arguably the biggest name linked to 2025 free agency talks, was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights and promptly signed a long-term extension before the market officially opened.
These collective decisions resulted in a somewhat underwhelming initial day of NHL free agency this year. As it stands, skilled and fast winger Nikolaj Ehlers remains one of the few significantly recognized players still available. The relatively calm 2025 offseason has left many hockey enthusiasts desiring more, and the 2026 class just might fulfill that wish.
Looking ahead – while fully acknowledging that many individuals on this list are highly likely to sign extensions with their current organizations before the date arrives – July 1, 2026, has the potential to be an exceptionally significant day for free agent movement in the league.
Superstars like Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel, and Kirill Kaprizov are among those who will require new contracts after the next season concludes. Their situations are just the beginning of a potentially deep and star-studded unrestricted free agent pool.
| Player | Current Team | Current Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Connor McDavid | Edmonton Oilers | $12.5 million |
| Artemi Panarin | New York Rangers | $11.64 million |
| Sergei Bobrovsky | Florida Panthers | $10 million |
| Jack Eichel | Vegas Golden Knights | $10 million |
| Alex Ovechkin | Washington Capitals | $9.5 million |
| Kirill Kaprizov | Minnesota Wild | $9 million |
| Cale Makar | Colorado Avalanche | $9 million |
| Anze Kopitar | Los Angeles Kings | $7 million |
| Adrian Kempe | Los Angeles Kings | $5.5 million |
Following consecutive defeats in the Stanley Cup Final, a question arises: does McDavid believe the Oilers franchise can provide him and fellow star Leon Draisaitl with the necessary roster support to finally claim a championship? Persistent issues, particularly regarding depth scoring and goaltending, have consistently hampered Edmonton`s playoff aspirations.
Kirill Kaprizov`s situation is also compelling. The Minnesota Wild have not advanced past the initial playoff round during his tenure with the team. Can Minnesota demonstrate a commitment to constructing a genuine Stanley Cup contender by acquiring a high-level center to complement the dynamic Russian playmaker?
Among the highlighted names, Jack Eichel seems arguably the least likely to actually reach the free agent market. He appears to be in a highly favorable situation with the Vegas Golden Knights, a team that consistently contends for the Cup and recently made another significant roster enhancement by adding Marner.
goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, with his strong playoff pedigree, would undoubtedly attract considerable attention from teams in need of goaltending upgrades. While Alex Ovechkin could potentially retire, what if the Washington Capitals have another disappointing season in 2025 and he is motivated for one more push for a championship elsewhere? The current trajectory suggests the Los Angeles Kings might be facing a step backward, and should that occur, Adrian Kempe, known for his goal-scoring ability, might seek an opportunity with a different team.
Furthermore, this potential list doesn`t even encompass highly valuable restricted free agents such as Jason Robertson and Martin Necas. These players are expected to command substantial long-term contracts and will possess significant leverage in determining their next team.
Ultimately, the relative calm of the 2025 NHL free agent class may serve as a prelude to a truly exciting period in 2026. At least, that`s what hopeful hockey fans can anticipate as they count down the remaining 364 days.
