On Thursday, Nikolaj Ehlers officially signed with the Carolina Hurricanes, bringing us closer to the conclusion of notable free agent signings for 2025. With this development, attention now shifts toward the 2026 class of unrestricted free agents (UFAs) and restricted free agents (RFAs), which is shaping up to be incredibly star-studded. This upcoming group prominently features some of the best offensive players in the NHL.
As observed in the recent free agency period, many star players tend to extend their contracts with their current teams, resulting in a reduced pool of players available by July 1. However, with the salary cap projected to rise dramatically to $104 million, there will be more financial flexibility in the league. This increase will provide a lucrative opportunity for the top 20 players to explore the market and receive competitive offers.
Among the most notable players heading towards free agency in 2026, several stand out:
Connor McDavid, Edmonton: As the biggest name in the league, it seems unlikely that the Oilers captain will leave without securing a contract extension. Following back-to-back trips to the finals, pressure mounts on Edmonton's management to demonstrate their commitment to building a championship-caliber team around their franchise player. A short-term extension this fall appears to be the most probable outcome. Kirill Kaprizov, Minnesota: Known as “the first true superstar in Wild history,” Kaprizov is expected to command a significant contract, likely surpassing the $14 million per season cap hit signed by Leon Draisaitl last fall. Fortunately for Minnesota fans, the team possesses the cap space to accommodate this deal. Jack Eichel, Vegas: After recovering from major back surgery, Eichel has reaffirmed his status as one of the league's top centermen. His recent success includes leading the Golden Knights to a championship in 2023 and achieving a career-high of 94 points last season. At just 28 years old, Eichel is likely to remain with the Golden Knights, a team that boasts substantial appeal. Kyle Connor, Winnipeg: Over the past four seasons, Connor has scored more goals than all but five wingers, making him a potential candidate for unrestricted free agency. However, the Jets have recently succeeded in re-signing key players, and their performance in the playoffs could influence Connor's decision to stay. Artemi Panarin, NY Rangers: Panarin, who signed a lucrative deal in 2019, will be 34 by the time he hits free agency again. With a remarkable 120 points in the 2023-24 season, he has proven he still has plenty to contribute, making him a prime candidate to explore the open market. Sergei Bobrovsky, Florida: At 37, Bobrovsky may still attract interest from teams looking for experienced goaltending, especially given his stellar performances in recent postseasons. Adrian Kempe, Los Angeles: As one of the NHL’s top offensive players, Kempe is expected to command a significantly higher salary than his previous $5.5 million per season deal. Alex Ovechkin, Washington: The all-time leading scorer in NHL history, Ovechkin's future remains uncertain as he approaches 40. He may also consider returning to the KHL, potentially seeking the all-time goal record. Anthony Stolarz, Toronto: Stolarz's impressive play when healthy makes him a potential extension candidate, and another successful season could see him cash in significantly. Filip Gustavsson, Minnesota: Despite playing just 169 regular-season games, Gustavsson's performance has been strong enough to position him for a lucrative contract if he continues to excel.The rising salary cap has also impacted the restricted free agent landscape for 2026, compelling teams to either invest in their young talent or risk losing them. Notable names to watch include:
Connor Bedard, Chicago Lane Hutson, Montreal Dustin Wolf, Calgary Jason Robertson, Dallas Simon Edvinsson, Detroit Logan Cooley, Utah Adam Fantilli, Columbus Leo Carlsson, Anaheim Dylan Holloway, St. Louis Cole Perfetti, WinnipegWhile many of these players may sign extensions before hitting the market, their presence will undoubtedly keep general managers busy over the next year.
As the 2026 free agency period approaches, fans and teams alike are eager to see how the landscape will shift with the influx of talent both among unrestricted and restricted free agents. With the salary cap rise, the potential for big moves and significant contract extensions makes this an exciting time in the NHL.
For an even more comprehensive list of 2026 UFAs and RFAs, be sure to check out PuckPedia's player dashboard.
