The NHL's 2025 offseason may have been a quiet one, but the potential free agency class of 2026 is shaping up to be a blockbuster. With a combination of current superstars and established veterans potentially hitting the open market, the landscape of the league could drastically change. While many of these players may ultimately re-sign with their current teams, the sheer talent available makes it a class worth watching.
At the forefront of the 2026 free agency discussion are players like Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel, and Kirill Kaprizov. McDavid, arguably the best player in the world, will be eligible for a new contract after the 2025-26 season. It is widely expected that he will remain with the Edmonton Oilers, but his availability would send shockwaves throughout the league. Eichel, a top center currently with the Vegas Golden Knights, and Kaprizov, a dynamic scorer for the Minnesota Wild, are also key names to watch. While their situations are less certain than McDavid's, their potential availability would make them highly sought-after commodities.
Beyond these marquee players, the 2026 UFA class boasts a number of other high-profile forwards. Kyle Connor, a consistent goal-scorer, Artemi Panarin, a highly skilled veteran, and Adrian Kempe, a two-time 35-goal scorer, could all be available. Other notable forwards include Martin Necas, Alex Ovechkin, Anze Kopitar, and Evgeni Malkin. Ovechkin, Kopitar, and Malkin are veteran players who may be nearing the end of their careers, but they could still provide value to a team looking for leadership and experience.
The free agency market is unpredictable. A lot can change in a year, and many players who are currently slated to become free agents in 2026 could sign extensions with their current teams before then. Injuries, team performance, and contract negotiations can all impact a player's decision to test the open market.
Several other notable players could potentially become unrestricted free agents in 2026. These include forwards like Patrik Laine, Jaden Schwartz, Anders Lee, and Alex Tuch. On defense, Rasmus Andersson, John Carlson, and Jacob Trouba could be available. In goal, Sergei Bobrovsky, Jacob Markstrom, and Stuart Skinner are among the names that could hit the open market.
The potential of landing a superstar like McDavid, Eichel, or Kaprizov could lead teams to make strategic moves in the years leading up to 2026. Some teams may choose to shed salary or trade assets to create cap space in order to make a run at these high-profile free agents. Others may focus on developing young talent in the hopes of building a contender through the draft.
The 2026 free agency class has the potential to reshape the NHL. While it remains to be seen how many of these players will actually become available, the sheer number of talented players who could hit the open market makes it a fascinating storyline to follow. As the 2025-26 season unfolds, keep an eye on these players and their respective teams, as their decisions could have a significant impact on the future of the league.
