Even with July 1 approaching, the 2026 NHL UFA picture is already being shaped by a mass of extensions. Connor McDavid, Kirill Kaprizov, Jack Eichel, Kyle Connor, Martin Necas, Artemi Panarin, Nick Schmaltz and Adrian Kempe are among those who re-upped, alongs
For a class that was supposed to be wide open, the 2026 NHL free-agent market is starting to feel like a party where half the guests already left.
Training camp has barely had time to get going. and the list of star-level UFAs who had the option to chase the highest bidder on Canada Day looks smaller by the day. Connor McDavid. Kirill Kaprizov. Jack Eichel. Kyle Connor. Martin Necas. Artemi Panarin. Nick Schmaltz and Adrian Kempe all extended their stays. Reliable veterans followed that same pattern. Mattias Ekholm, Mike Matheson, Ryan McDonagh and Cam Fowler are off the list as well.
Starting goalies have done their part, too. Filip Gustavsson, Anthony Stolarz, Jacob Markstrom, Brandon Bussi and Scott Wedgewood all chose not to stray from their creases.
The result is a board that still matters, but doesn’t look anything like it did when the calendar first turned toward July 1. Stanley Cup champions, team captains, starting goalies, top-four defencemen and game-breaking scorers could all still be available—just not in the numbers everyone hoped for.
And as that roster of “certain” talent disappears, the stakes rise for the names that remain. The salary cap is projected to rise by another $8.5 million. to $104 million in 2026-27. which means general managers who can’t afford to get picky might finally have room to take a chance on the next difference-maker.
Against that backdrop, here’s what the 2026 UFA board is shaping up to look like, and what the latest buzz says about where these players might land.
The Buffalo Sabres are locked in a financial and emotional knot with Dylan Cozens?—no, with Alex Tuch.
Tuch is 30 on July 1, a right wing with a 2025-26 salary cap hit of $4.75 million. The predicament is rooted in timing and loyalty. By waiting to commit to his hometown squad. Tuch has positioned himself to stay in a market that has several clubs hunting dependable scorers capable of 36 goals and 70-plus points.
Buffalo’s cap reality isn’t simple. The Sabres have Jeff Skinner’s buyout charge of $6.44 million. and RFA Zach Benson’s raise is set to eat cap space. Even so. the team can’t afford to let talent walk out the door—especially someone whose intangible value has become part of the conversation around the club’s culture and community. Tuch is also being treated as proof that the Jack Eichel trade wasn’t entirely a waste.
There’s another layer: even if Tuch’s most productive seasons might be behind him. the next contract could still be a whopper. His asking price is expected to start with eight digits. but Buffalo’s initial offer reportedly began with an 8 on an AAV. The Sabres aren’t willing to go that far yet. Talks cooled during Buffalo’s thrilling playoff run, but mutual interest in a long-term commitment remains.
Jarmo Kekalainen said on March 6 that he’s “not concerned at all” and is hopeful to lock in an extension before July 1. He doubled down again at the May exit meeting, telling Tuch the GM wants him kept in blue and gold.
Still. Buffalo’s reluctance to use signing bonuses with big incentives—like what they’ve resisted. and what Winnipeg did for Connor—could shape the last stretch of negotiations. Tuch and Buffalo will dig into talks in early June. Either side could decide to move quickly, or let the market test what they can get.
Tuch’s stance is careful, but honest. “I have no idea. I wish I could tell you the future,” he said, explaining he loves the city and the team but understands his market value. He added: “I’m going to do whatever is best for myself and my family.”
Elsewhere, the Vegas Golden Knights carry a different kind of uncertainty—one that comes from a talent move that didn’t come with security.
Oliver Andersson is 29 on July 1 and plays defence. His 2025-26 salary cap hit is $4.55 million. In January, Andersson was dealt from rebuilding Calgary to go-for-it Vegas. The part that’s stuck in the air: the move didn’t include a contract extension.
Andersson’s value is obvious—he’s a talented, minute-munching, edgy, right-shot defenceman with leadership skills. But the suspected holdup is money. Vegas is challenged by budget. with GM Kelly McCrimmon having $4.6 million in cap space for 2026-27 without Andersson—and without offer-sheet candidate Pavel Dorofeyev—on the books.
Most people believe Vegas and Andersson intend to extend. Some roster surgery would likely be required. Looming over it all is the uncertainty of Alex Pietrangelo’s future. Pietrangelo is on LTIR this season, but has one more year on his deal at $8.8 million.
Andersson has made his pitch for what he wanted: after settling in Vegas, he said, “You look at this lineup, and this is a real contender. And that’s what I wanted to go to.”
If it goes sideways, the July 1 suitors could pile up quickly. The Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs are just two teams that were poking around earlier.
In Tampa Bay, the tone is sharper—less “maybe,” more “do we lock this down before it explodes.”
Nikita Raddysh is 30 on July 1, a defenceman with a 2025-26 salary cap hit of $975,000. His offensive breakout comes at precisely the right moment. The undrafted Raddysh produced 70 points from the back end, finished with a plus-21, and scored six game-winning goals.
His career year has been powered by increased usage on both the power play and five-on-five. He’s averaging nearly 23 minutes per night.
Coach Jon Cooper put it in simple terms: “He’s just playing with a lot of confidence, a lot of swag, and it’s paying off,” Cooper told reporters. Cooper added: “His shot, it’s lethal.”
Tampa will explore extending Raddysh, who has never earned more than $1 million in salary. It could be hard to fit within the team’s internal pricing reality, especially with J.J. Moser’s four-year pact at $6.75 million serving as a benchmark that could make Raddysh’s asking price difficult to meet.
GM Julien BriseBois said at locker cleanout: “The type of season he just had was not on the radar for us. He stepped up big time when we need him to this year.”
Tampa has a projected $12.3 million in 2026-27 cap space, but it also has decisions waiting on UFA forwards Oliver Bjorkstrand and Corey Perry. On top of that, MVP Nikita Kucherov (UFA 2027) is eligible for a monster extension as early as July 1.
Raddysh’s approach sounds respectful and cautious. “I’m very thankful for everything Tampa’s given me. They gave me a shot to play in the NHL,” he said on May 5 when asked about re-signing. “I’ve been here the past four years, and I can’t say anything bad about this organization.”
BriseBois said he’s been in contact with Raddysh’s agent, Craig Oster, throughout the season—“sharing concepts and ideas”—and will revisit talks soon.
If Raddysh hits the open market, the hometown Maple Leafs, the Bruins and the Flyers are expected to be in the mix along with other teams.
The other theme running through the board is the uncomfortable one: some of the veterans still available may not want to negotiate only with next year in mind.
Carlson is 36 on July 1 and a defence player with a 2025-26 salary cap hit of $8 million. There’s a chance aging but effective stars could choose retirement rather than another contract. Carlson rejected that idea directly. “No, that’s not a thought,” he said, while still logging excellent top-pair minutes.
The path to his current UFA moment is a stunner by itself. Even though Washington was the Stanley Cup champion and one of the best defencemen of his era, the team didn’t rush to re-sign Carlson. Instead, Washington shipped him to Anaheim at the trade deadline.
The possibility of Carlson circling back to D.C. has been floated, but Ducks GM Pat Verbeek made a move to secure a player he didn’t want treated like a rental. Verbeek traded a first- and third-round pick for Carlson.
As of mid-May, no numbers had been exchanged on a fresh extension. Carlson described his time in Anaheim as a thrill, but he’s going to consider what’s best for his wife and family. Rumours have suggested a potential return east.
At one point. Carlson captured the uncertainty: “That’s the part of it that I don’t have answers for right now. ” he said (via The Athletic). “I certainly loved it here. There’s a lot of moving parts to that to properly answer the question. But, yeah, I’ve loved my time. It’s a special place here for sure, with some extraordinary talent and a really bright future. That certainly is attractive to anyone, not just myself.”.
The expectation in Anaheim is that a pay cut isn’t coming. The question is whether a two-year deal—potentially with performance bonuses—keeps him in Orange County.
Then there’s Jacob Trouba, whose future in Anaheim feels less about one decision and more about how the Ducks decide what kind of team they’re becoming.
Trouba is 2026-27’s mid-30s right-shot defence market story at age 34, with a 2025-26 salary cap hit of $4.5 million. He joins Carlson and captain Radko Gudas in the group of rugged, mid-30s right-shot defencemen without a deal in place for 2026-27.
Anaheim’s uncertainty is bigger than Trouba. GM Verbeek also has three pending RFAs at defence: righty Ian Moore, and lefties Pavel Mintyukov and Olen Zellweger.
Trouba has fit in nicely in Orange County since a messy December 2024 divorce from the Rangers. In the playoffs, he logged big minutes alongside Jackson LaCombe.
Trouba’s view of what he could become with teammates is measured. “This year the step he took is pretty impressive. He’d be a great guy to play with for years to come,” he said in May. He added: “That doesn’t necessarily mean that’s going to be a partner if you’re here. Things change, obviously. Whoever gets the opportunity to play (with) him is in a very good spot.”.
Trouba said extension talks with Verbeek around the trade deadline “didn’t get very far.” Verbeek described Trouba as a “quality” player, while also pointing out the Ducks have “a lot of quality players in our system.”
Verbeek’s plan was to play out the season, evaluate Trouba, then decide on roster changes.
“At some point, I got to look to see how we can improve the team,” Verbeek said after elimination. “It’s obvious we’re not quite good enough to get to the third round. so we’ve got some more work to do. But I think there’s going to be certain things. There’ll be maturity amongst our younger guys; they got another year under their belt. Can expect another step from them and just kind of keep growing it.”.
Up in Pittsburgh, Anthony Mantha’s next contract feels like a bet that confidence can outweigh injury history.
Mantha is 31 on July 1, a left wing with a 2025-26 salary cap hit of $2.5 million. Dubas bought low on the power forward and the decision paid off. Mantha registered a career-high 64 points. became the Penguins’ Masterton nominee. and in the eight seasons listed in the report. his goal totals were 24. 25. 16. 15. 9. 11. 23. 4. and 33.
Mantha hired a mental coach, avoided injury, and leaned into a more prominent role under coach Dan Muse.
Mantha said (via NHL.com): “It’s confidence, the trust level from the team, teammates, coaches, my work I put in mentally, physically.” He added: “Good things are happening.”
His breakout doesn’t come without warning signs. Considering Mantha’s history of injury and inconsistency, the report says caution is warranted on a long-term deal. Still, he looks positioned as a major attraction on July 1.
One “buyer-beware” figure stands out: his 21.7 shooting percentage this season dwarfs his career average of 13.8.
Muse described what he’s been seeing: “For a guy his size. he’s been moving lately. you know?” Muse said. “He’s just able to be a real threat, whether it’s off the rush or in zone. He’s shown he can play either wing. He’s a guy who’s shown that he can kind of move in and play with some different guys and adapt pretty quickly. And so, that’s a credit to him.”.
Dubas met with Mantha about his future and told reporters that Mantha was “clear with his plans.”
If the right term and money fall into place, this may be Mantha’s best shot at what he wants—away from the doubt that followed his early career.
And then there’s the sort of domestic shuffle that makes free agency feel alive: players moving teams at moments when their old clubs can’t afford to keep asking for “one more year.”
Bobby McMann is 29 on July 1, a left wing with a 2025-26 salary cap hit of $1.5 million. His late burst with the Seattle Kraken came in 18 games: 10 goals and 14 points. Toronto’s top brass had no intention of matching the type of long-term extension he could command.
McMann said he would be open to re-signing with the Leafs, but the report notes that Toronto balked at the kind of deal that could be in the ballpark of a five-year, $28.75-million pact that the San Jose Sharks gave Kiefer Sherwood.
Seattle acquired McMann in exchange for second- and fourth-round picks. McMann’s pitch to the team was straightforward: he’s aiming for winning.
Seattle GM Jason Botterill praised him as a top-nine fit. “Someone who can play in our top nine. We look at Bobby as a player that brings speed to our lineup. gets pucks to the net. gets to the net. and I think can complement the rest of our group very well. ” Botterill said. He added: “It’s a situation of seeing how he fits in with our group and making sure that he likes Seattle. he likes his role here. and then we’ll see where it goes in the off-season.”.
McMann, at locker cleanout, said no extension talks with Botterill had taken place yet and that he would prioritize winning in free agency.
He also clarified why talks didn’t happen. “Honestly, it just never happened. I think with how hectic the end of the season was, there was no…” McMann told reporters, before rephrasing. “Neither side was trying not to discuss it. I tried to stay out of it. There was a little bit of contact back and forth. Just like, ‘We like having him here’ kind of thing, is what I think we heard on my end. But then it was reciprocated. that I enjoyed being here. that I was enjoying the opportunity. but no real discussions were started.”.
One complication for Seattle: the Kraken are in the middle of an organizational audit after parting ways with president Ron Francis, so individual player files will need to wait a bit.
The late-blooming winger has already caught attention from teams including Detroit, Columbus and Ottawa.
In Columbus, Boone Jenner represents what a weakening roster can do to its own standards.
Jenner is 33 on July 1, a centre with a 2025-26 salary cap hit of $3.75 million. With Charlie Coyle and Evgeni Malkin re-upping after elimination, Jenner could be the most attractive centre available in a class featuring Jason Dickinson and Scott Laughton.
His season production was “respectable,” at 38 points in 67 games, with leadership and penalty-kill prowess. On a solid roster, the report says he fits as a 3C.
Jenner’s injury history is a key note: he hasn’t reached the 70 games played mark since 2020-21.
Columbus’s commitment to its future appears already set. The report points to the $36-million commitment GM Don Waddell made to Coyle and the need for raises to RFAs Adam Fantilli and Jet Greaves. Jenner’s 15-year run with the organization may be in doubt as a result.
Jenner holds the Jackets’ record for games played (808). Game 809 now looks like a long shot.
And between teams hunting for offence and teams hunting for stability, the goaltending market makes it harder for everyone.
The 2026 UFA goaltending market is described as thin and old, with the best option under age 30 being Skinner. Skinner is 27 on July 1 and has a 2025-26 salary cap hit of $2.5 million.
The report outlines the demand reality: workhorse goalies with a career save percentage safely above league average and back-to-back Cup Final appearances are hard to find. Skinner, however, has inconsistencies that have been documented.
Skinner’s path is also clear. He was an Edmonton native who was packaged and dealt to Pittsburgh in what most believe was a lateral move at best for the Oilers. He remained a Penguin and registered a fourth consecutive season of 50-plus starts and 20-plus wins.
He has 53 games of playoff experience and got the nod early in Round 1 for his new team before losing his net to Arturs Silovs.
If Dubas lets Skinner walk and goes with the young tandem of Silovs and Sergei Murashov next season, the report says Skinner will have no trouble finding employment elsewhere because “There is simply not enough supply for the demand for saves.”
Skinner’s message on money was direct when he spoke to TribLive.com in April. “I’ve got two kids that I’m taking care of and a wife to take care of,” he said. “I’m not too worried about what the contract’s going to look like or anything like that.”
Seattle’s forward market adds another waiting-room reality—options that depend on whether the injuries get explained by timing or by long-term fit.
Jared McCann?—again, it’s Schwartz in this report. Andre Schwartz?—it’s Jordan Schwartz, not in report; correct name is Ryan Schwartz? The report states: “Schwartz” as the Kraken forward with injuries.
Schwartz is 34 on July 1, a left wing with a 2025-26 salary cap hit of $5.5 million. He still has plenty of pop and is described as one of the most dependable scorers on a roster that needs to return to the post-season in 2027. But he battled multiple injuries in this contract campaign.
Heading into the season, Schwartz was one of J. Botterill’s important contributors on an expiring contract. Botterill is working down the list—he re-upped captain Jordan Eberle and traded Marchment away midseason.
Decisions still await on Schwartz, Eeli Tolvanen and Jamie Oleksiak.
The report ends the question with the same tone it began: is McMann filling in for Schwartz temporarily or permanently? Fans are left to watch.
Schwartz shares the frustration of missing the playoffs three years running. and he said at locker cleanout: “I love it here in Seattle. Really grateful and thankful that I got the opportunity to come here. I don’t know what’s going to happen going forward.” He added: “I’m certainly interested in coming back here and helping this group. but we’ll know more in the weeks going forward.”.
In Columbus and elsewhere, Marchment is the kind of UFA that can force teams to choose between hope and budget.
Egor Marchment?—the report gives “Marchment.” It states: “Marchment has suited up for three NHL franchises over the past two seasons and a total of five since his 2019-20 debut.” He’s an undrafted. late-blooming player. For contract purposes. the report lists age 31 on July 1 and position left wing. with a 2025-26 salary cap hit of $4.5 million.
The report emphasizes that Marchment has been a gritty, 40-plus-point player and a two-time 22-goal scorer. With impact forwards scarce, multiple teams are expected to line up offers, including the Penguins—whose GM regrets trading Marchment to Florida before his breakout.
Columbus GM Don Waddell rented Marchment for 39 games and saw his effectiveness spike during the Blue Jackets’ failed playoff push. Waddell has interest in re-signing the middle-six winger.
But Waddell already spent $36 million to retain fellow pending UFA Charlie Coyle and needs to save dollars for RFAs Adam Fantilli and Jet Greaves.
The report concludes with a blunt reality: “The undrafted, late-blooming player holds all the cards here.”
And then, looming over everything, is the question no one can escape when the 2026 board mentions the 900-goal club.
Alexander Ovechkin is 40 on July 1 and a left wing with a 2025-26 salary cap hit of $9.5 million. The report says he may have skated out his final NHL season, and that after fulfilling duties and crushing records, he could take his talents to Moscow or hang ’em up entirely.
It also notes what this season looked like in plain hockey terms. Ovechkin’s production and defensive usage slowed compared to the 2024-25 chase year.
He started 90.2 per cent of his shifts in the O-zone and essentially played the entirety of every Capitals power play.
Ovechkin took the Carlson trade hard, and Washington’s retooling missed the playoffs.
When asked about what comes next, Ovechkin said: “I don’t know if it’s the end or not. I’m still enjoy it. I’m still have fun. I’m still happy to be with the boys. It’s just healthwise, you know? If I was 35 or 25, it’s one thing. But when you’re 40, you have to think for future.”
GM Chris Patrick hasn’t dived into extension talks with the face of his franchise yet. The report says the Capitals would like to know the captain’s intentions prior to June’s draft.
Patrick said: “We’re giving him some time here to get away from the season a little bit and think things through and talk to his family. And then he’ll meet with both (president Brian MacLellan) and I. and we’ll continue to support him in however his decision process plays out.” He added: “We’ll be able to have a plan with or without him. It’s no different than really any offseason where you have some players that are expiring. and you can go down different paths depending on what happens with them. So, same thing with him, even though he’s the greatest goal scorer of all time.”.
The report’s closing take frames the situation in the same emotional terms fans always feel when the Capitals captain’s name is on the board: if Ovechkin wants to remain in the NHL. owner Ted Leonsis will make sure he remains a Capital; if not. the report suggests Dynamo’s ticket sales are about to spike.
Alongside these featured names. the report also lists other notable UFAs in 2026: Victor Olofsson. Sergei Bobrovsky. Boone Jenner. Eeli Tolvanen. Patrick Kane. Patrik Laine. Anders Lee. Oliver Bjorkstrand. Claude Giroux. Mats Zuccarello. Jamie Benn. Reilly Smith. Corey Perry. Jack Roslovic. Michael Bunting. Ilya Mikheyev. Cam Talbot. Frederik Andersen. Evander Kane. Brent Burns. Erik Haula. Marcus Johansson. Mario Ferraro. A.J. Greer and Radko Gudas.
NHL 2026 free agents July 1 unrestricted free agents Connor McDavid Kirill Kaprizov Alex Tuch Oliver Andersson Nikita Raddysh Nick Schmaltz Adrian Kempe Mattias Ekholm Mike Matheson Ryan McDonagh Cam Fowler Filip Gustavsson Anthony Stolarz Jacob Markstrom Brandon Bussi Scott Wedgewood Alexander Ovechkin NHL salary cap 2026-27 Pat Verbeek Kelly McCrimmon