Big Names, Small Pool: 2026 NHL Free Agent Class Isn’t as Deep as It Looks

It is safe to say the 2025 NHL free agency was not the most exciting with boring extensions, and little trades making it the fun event it usually is, but looking ahead down the pipeline, the 2026 NHL free agency class looks a whole lot different, and the excitement scale is off the charts already. But, in reality it isn't. Connor McDavid, Cale Makar, Alex Ovechkin, and Jack Eichel are some of the names on the list of dazzling pending unrestricted free agents next summer, and although the list continues to wow with beaming talent, only few will actually hit the market, and only a slight upgrade on this year might end up happening. 

Nevertheless, there are some big names who could possibly hit the market come July 1st of next summer, but also some big names who re-sign with their teams months beforehand. So, here are some of the best, and some of the more mediocre free agents who realistically may hit the market next summer.

The Big Boys

Artemi Panarin

Among a class of extremely talented and exciting free agents who are currently pending free agents next summer, the Rangers 34 year old Russian star Artemi Panarin is probably one of the best players who will be unsigned by July 1st, and with his 8 year, $11.6 million deal coming to an end, it will be difficult for New York to give him an offer anywhere near that figure. And if Panarin is looking in the $8-10 million range next summer, he is definitely one for teams all around the NHL sphere who are looking for a proven goal scorer, and a proven playoff phenom.  

At his age, teams may find his value a little lower than the $8-10 million range, but being one of the best players in the class next year, paying the extra premium to get him out of New York may be something a lot of teams in need of a top line winger are willing to do.

Kirill Kaprizov

Now Kaprizov has been Mr. Minnesota ever since joining the NHL back in 2020, and with a $9 million AAV under his belt at the moment, it is a certainty that he will be seeking a massive pay rise, and could reach anything up to $13 million AAV for his next deal. Whether that deal will be in Minnesota is the issue. Kaprizov has consistently been one of the best players in the NHL for some time now, and with constant improvement ensuring he stays on the top of his game, his scoring, and playmaking is second to none, putting him in the conversation as a top five player in the league. Although with little success over his time in the NHL, and the situation in Minnesota not looking too shiny, his exit may be nearer than people think.

When free agents like Kaprizov come around, they are almost certain to re-sign in the summer prior, but in Kaprizov’s case, it seems the negotiations have been shy of good, and his chances of leaving the Wild are growing. As a player who has everything that a franchise level talent needs, his hunt for Stanley Cup glory, on top of a massive $12+ deal may mean testing free agency next summer, and is definitely the most likely of the big three in the 2026 class to hit the market.

The Elite

Rasmus Andersson

The Calgary Flames Rasmus Andersson has heard his name involved in trade talks for the last couple of seasons, and that discourse may finally become a reality this upcoming season as Stanley Cup contending teams have been sniffing around the 29 year old Swede for months now. As much as he has put forward his desire to continue to play for the Flames, his exit is imminent, but his next home isn't so concrete. Andersson is one of those trade targets who unlike former Flames like Noah Hanifin is a temporary playoff asset, and with his next deal likely to creep up to 7 or 6 million dollars, he has every chance of hitting the free agency market next summer, despite lacing up in another jersey this season.

Andersson is sure to be a desired player in free agency, and as a solid offensive right shot d-man, teams will take no time in snatching him up, and will be one of the more targeted free agents on the market. His exit from Calgary has been bubbling over for a while now, but even with his next team, Andersson is among some of the elite talent who may hit the market in 2026.

Martin Necas

After being in the middle of the massive Mikko Rantanen trade saga in the middle of last season, former Hurricane Martin Necas was sent to the Colorado Avalanche, but his time in purple and blue may come to an end pretty soon. Unlike Andersson, Necas’ exit has been deliberated for some time now, but not via trade. Necas is likely to continue to play for the Avs next season, but dressing room tensions, and unrest with the player means his departure is close. At $6.5 million, he also will look for a pay rise, and given the current situation in Colorado, they are 100% not willing to give him one. 

Possibly reaching $8 million as his AAV ask price, Necas has potential, and has shown he can be a solid top six forward, and a very valuable asset at only 26, making him a big target come free agency. A player like would never have been close to the free agency market during his time in Colorado, but now, he is one who is very likely to end up testing the market, and in search of a fresh start in a year's time.

The Rest

Jacob Markstrom

Beyond the stars and the elite categories there are little sparks among the rest of the free agents in 2026, one being 36, going on 37 year old goaltender Jacob Markstrom. Although Markstrom is continuing to netmind as a starting goalie in the NHL currently for the Devils, his $6 million deal will probably not be met next summer, but his talents may still be needed. The Swede has been a reliable goalie for a good period of time now, and with him almost 90% sure to hit the market, he is sure to find a starting job somewhere, and may even just sign a small 2 year deal anywhere that will take him to round off a solid career. 

Patrik Laine

When Patrik Laine’s $8.7 million deal ends at the end of next season, a contract which went down the gutter ridiculously quickly will finally be over, but not his career per say. Laine who returned to the NHL this year after being traded to the Canadiens got himself another shot at the big leagues under Martin St Louis, but after a mediocre year, despite proving his goal scoring knack is still there to some extent, Laine will likely be available in 2026, and a big salary decrease, and a team who are willing to take a chance on the almost 30 year old would definitely have no problem picking him up on a 2 or 3 year deal.

Jacob Trouba

And finally, the freight train himself. Former Rangers captain, and Ducks enforcer Jacob Trouba is another guy who’s terrible $8 million deal will come to an end, and a number of teams will gladly take their pick at Trouba's who's salary will definitely decrease to around the $5 million range, and with his services as a tip tier NHL heavy hitter still intact, will find no trouble finding another team. His time in Anaheim has been meh, but hitting the market is a no brainer for the Trouba train, and is probably the best player of his kind in the upcoming class. His defensive skills, fierceness, and veteran leadership is valuable to any team in the league, and the salary cut will make it 10x better.