As the dust settles on the flurry of signings and trades that defined the 2025 NHL offseason, the focus is already shifting to a potentially historic group poised to hit the market in 2026. Following significant moves like Nikolaj Ehlers joining the Carolina Hurricanes, hockey fans are now looking ahead. The class of 2026, featuring both unrestricted and restricted free agents, currently boasts an incredible collection of talent, particularly among the league’s elite offensive players. This upcoming free agency period is shaping up to be one of the most compelling in recent memory, presenting massive opportunities and challenges for general managers across the league.
The Seismic Impact of the Rising Salary Cap
A critical factor making the 2026 free agent landscape so fascinating is the projected dramatic increase in the NHL salary cap. Estimates suggest the cap could soar to around $104 million. This significant financial jump infuses substantial new money into the system. It stands to make hitting the open market exceptionally lucrative for top-tier players. While many stars traditionally sign extensions before reaching July 1st, the sheer volume of available funds could entice more impact players to test their value and field offers from multiple teams.
The rising cap already exerted considerable pressure on the 2025 restricted free agent class. Teams faced difficult decisions. They had to commit large sums to their young core players on second or third contracts. The alternative was exploring trade options. Situations involving players like Noah Dobson, K’Andre Miller, and JJ Peterka highlighted this dynamic. The threat of offer sheets, amplified by recent league activity, has also become a more real factor. This increased offer sheet potential further contributes to inflating the value of these critical RFA deals.
Top Unrestricted Free Agents Poised for 2026
The list of potential UFAs in 2026 is simply staggering. It includes several of the sport’s biggest names. While extensions are probable for many, imagining even a few of these players changing teams creates captivating “what if” scenarios.
Connor McDavid: The Biggest Name
Undoubtedly, the most significant player potentially reaching the 2026 UFA market is Connor McDavid. He is widely regarded as the best player in the world. For the Oilers, his contract status looms large. While recent deep playoff runs make it seem unlikely he would leave Edmonton, the pressure remains intense on the organization. They must continue demonstrating they are a consistent Stanley Cup contender. A short-term extension is considered a highly probable outcome, offering flexibility for both player and team.
Kirill Kaprizov: Minnesota’s Superstar
Kirill Kaprizov has established himself as the Minnesota Wild’s first true superstar. His next contract is anticipated to be massive. Experts believe his new deal could even exceed Leon Draisaitl’s significant $14 million cap hit. The Wild currently possess the necessary salary cap space to accommodate such a large figure. Signing Kaprizov long-term is a top priority for the franchise.
Jack Eichel: Elite Center Power
Jack Eichel is another premier center facing UFA status. He has fully recovered from major back surgery. Eichel was instrumental in leading the Vegas Golden Knights to a Stanley Cup championship in 2023. He followed that with a career-high 94 points the subsequent season. Over the last three years, he ranks eighth among NHL centers in points per game. At only 28 years old, it would be a major surprise if Vegas allowed him to reach the open market. The Golden Knights remain a highly desirable destination.
Kyle Connor: Scoring Prowess
Kyle Connor ranks among the league’s most consistent goal-scoring wingers. He sits fifth overall in goals over the past four seasons. He is potentially the most likely candidate among the top group to actually become an unrestricted free agent. Being an American player in Winnipeg could factor into his decision. However, the Jets have successfully retained top talent in recent years. Playoff performance in the lead-up to 2026 could significantly influence his future.
Artemi Panarin: Still Dominating
Artemi Panarin made a major splash as a UFA signing in 2019. He will be 34 when the 2026 free agency period begins. Despite his age, Panarin remains incredibly productive. He posted 49 goals and 120 points in the 2023-24 season. He ranks among the league’s top point producers since the 2019-20 season. His continued high-level performance suggests he could potentially test the market again, even in his mid-30s.
Sergei Bobrovsky: Playoff Hero
Sergei Bobrovsky will be 37 years old in the fall of 2026. However, his outstanding postseason performances over the last three years speak volumes. His consistent excellence makes him a strong candidate for a long-term extension from the Florida Panthers. Such a deal could potentially keep him playing into his early 40s. His playoff success has cemented his value to the team.
Adrian Kempe: Emerging Star
Adrian Kempe, currently 28, has emerged as a top offensive threat for the Los Angeles Kings. He has recorded multiple seasons with 35 or more goals. He is highly likely to sign an extension with the Kings. However, his new contract is expected to command a significantly higher salary than his current $5.5 million deal. His offensive production has made him a crucial piece for Los Angeles.
Alex Ovechkin: Legacy and Future
Alex Ovechkin will be 40 in the fall of 2026. As the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer and highest earner, his remarkable career in the league may be concluding. There is speculation about a potential return to the KHL for a final season. This could offer a different environment or a chance to pursue scoring records there. His future remains a major storyline.
Notable Goaltending Options
The 2026 UFA class also features intriguing goaltending options. Anthony Stolarz and Filip Gustavsson are two key names. Stolarz has been outstanding when healthy, ranking high in goals saved above expected despite limited games played. He is positioned to earn a significant raise. Gustavsson, with more extensive play, is seen as a top-15 starter. He is capable of commanding big starter dollars under the rising salary cap.
Other significant potential UFAs include veteran leaders like Anze Kopitar and Evgeni Malkin. Impact forwards like Alex Tuch and Martin Necas could also be available. Veteran defensemen such as John Carlson are on the list as well. The depth of this class is remarkable.
The Significant RFA Class of 2026
Beyond the star-studded UFA group, the 2026 restricted free agent class is equally critical. It features many of the league’s most promising young talents. As noted, the rising cap pressures teams immensely when negotiating these second or third contracts. General managers face considerable work between now and July 2026. While many of these players are expected to sign extensions before their RFA date, their presence on the list highlights major upcoming negotiations.
Potential RFA Stars
The list of significant names potentially becoming RFAs includes the highly anticipated Connor Bedard. He was eligible to sign his first extension as of the week the original article was published. Other prominent potential RFAs are Lane Hutson, Dustin Wolf, Thomas Harley, Jason Robertson, Logan Cooley, Adam Fantilli, Leo Carlsson, and Dylan Holloway. Securing these young players long-term is a top priority for their respective organizations. Their contracts will heavily influence team cap structures for years to come.
Additional Players to Watch
The 2026 free agent class extends far beyond these headline names. Several players are currently projected as honorable mentions. These players could still make a significant impact depending on their performance and team situations over the next year.
UFA Honorable Mentions
Players like Patrick Kane (Detroit), Mattias Ekholm (Edmonton), Stuart Skinner (Edmonton), Frederik Andersen (Carolina), Mats Zuccarello (Minnesota), Mason Marchment (Seattle), Boone Jenner (Columbus), Claude Giroux (Ottawa), Jordan Eberle (Seattle), Anders Lee (NY Islanders), Patrik Laine (Montreal), and Cam Fowler (St. Louis) are among the notable potential unrestricted free agents. Their futures will also be closely watched as 2026 approaches.
RFA Honorable Mentions
The list of potential restricted free agent honorable mentions is also deep. It includes promising prospects such as Spencer Knight (Chicago), Pavel Mintyukov (Anaheim), Olen Zellweger (Anaheim), Trevor Zegras (Philadelphia), Cole Sillinger (Columbus), and Zack Bolduc (Montreal). These young players represent significant assets and future investments for their clubs.
Keeping track of all potential UFAs and RFAs can be challenging. Comprehensive resources like PuckPedia’s player dashboard provide detailed lists and updates for those interested in tracking the full scope of the 2026 class.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the 2026 NHL free agent class unique or particularly strong?
The 2026 class stands out due to an exceptional concentration of star power, especially among top offensive players like Connor McDavid, Kirill Kaprizov, and Jack Eichel. Adding to its significance is the projected dramatic increase in the NHL salary cap to roughly $104 million. This influx of money means top players could command exceptionally high salaries if they reach the market, creating unique opportunities and challenges compared to previous years.
How does the projected NHL salary cap increase affect player contracts in 2026?
A $104 million salary cap provides teams with significantly more financial flexibility. For potential unrestricted free agents, this means a higher ceiling for contract offers, making it more appealing to test the market. For restricted free agents, the increased cap allows teams to sign young stars to larger second or third contracts, but also intensifies the pressure, potentially leading to more offer sheet threats or trades for teams unable to afford new deals.
Which top players are most likely to reach unrestricted free agency in 2026?
While many high-profile players like Connor McDavid or Jack Eichel are expected to sign extensions, some top names might be more likely to explore the market. Kyle Connor is often cited as a potential candidate among the elite group, given factors like playing in Winnipeg. Artemi Panarin, despite his age, remains highly productive and could seek a new deal elsewhere. Player decisions will heavily depend on team performance and extension talks over the next year.
The 2026 NHL free agent class represents a pivotal moment for many franchises. With a dramatically rising salary cap and a wealth of high-end talent, the decisions made by players and general managers in the coming year will shape the league’s competitive landscape for years to come. The potential movement of even a few key stars could send ripples across the NHL. Fans and analysts will be watching closely as the 2025-26 season unfolds and negotiations intensify.
