The 2025 NHL free agency period turned out to be rather quiet, lacking the expected excitement or `frenzy.` However, for fans hoping for more action, the potential class of free agents for the 2026 offseason appears set to be one of the most significant in league history.
Leading up to July 1st, several prominent players who were anticipated to reach the open market instead signed extensions with their current organizations. The Florida Panthers notably secured new deals for Sam Bennett and Aaron Ekblad.
John Tavares extended his stay with the Toronto Maple Leafs on a favorable contract. Matt Duchene re-signed with the Dallas Stars, and Brock Nelson did the same with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Additionally, Brock Boeser briefly became a free agent before deciding to return to the Vancouver Canucks.
The most notable player connected to this year`s free agency discussion, Mitch Marner, was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights and signed a long-term extension prior to the market opening.
Consequently, the initial day of NHL free agency proved disappointing. Nikolaj Ehlers, a talented and fast forward, was one of the few prominent players remaining unsigned. Hockey enthusiasts were left hoping for more excitement, and the 2026 offseason offers that potential.
Looking ahead, and recognizing that many players on the upcoming list will likely sign extensions, the potential for July 1, 2026, to be one of the most significant free agency days in the league`s history remains high.
Superstars such as Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel, and Kirill Kaprizov are among those whose contracts expire after next season, representing just a few of the potential high-profile names.
| 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 losses in the Stanley Cup Final, questions arise about whether McDavid believes the Oilers organization can provide him and Leon Draisaitl with the necessary support to ultimately win a championship. Persistent issues, particularly with depth scoring and goaltending, have hindered Edmonton`s playoff success.
Kaprizov presents another intriguing situation, as the Minnesota Wild have not advanced beyond the first playoff round during his tenure. Can Minnesota demonstrate its commitment to building a legitimate Stanley Cup contender, perhaps by acquiring a top center to complement the dynamic Russian forward?
Eichel appears less likely than others to reach free agency, given his favorable position with the Golden Knights. Vegas is a consistent Cup contender and recently made another significant move by acquiring Mitch Marner.
Bobrovsky would undoubtedly attract attention from teams needing goaltending, seeking a veteran with playoff success. While Ovechkin`s retirement is possible, a scenario where the Capitals underperform in 2025 could see him seek another chance at a championship elsewhere. Los Angeles` outlook suggests a potential regression, which might lead Adrian Kempe to look for a team where his scoring talent is better positioned for contention.
This list doesn`t even account for potential restricted free agents like Jason Robertson and Martin Necas, who are expected to command substantial contracts and possess considerable influence over their future team.
Perhaps the subdued activity of the 2025 free agency period will pave the way for a genuinely exciting market in 2026. With roughly a year remaining, that`s the anticipation for many hockey fans.
