Articles / Top 10 NHL unrestricted free agents of 2026: A sneak peek

Top 10 NHL unrestricted free agents of 2026: A sneak peek

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Daily Faceoff
Jul 4, 2025 3:00 PM

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The NHL's landscape is set to change significantly in the upcoming years, especially with the prospect of free agency in 2026. Stars like Connor McDavid, Kirill Kaprizov, and Jack Eichel are at the forefront of this discussion. McDavid, who has already established himself as one of the league's all-time greats with his dazzling skills and impressive statistics, is expected to command a hefty price if he hits the market. Similarly, Kaprizov has taken the Minnesota Wild by storm and could be a transformative player for any team in need of scoring power.

On the other hand, Eichel's journey with the Vegas Golden Knights has been a rollercoaster, and his potential return to free agency presents an intriguing situation. Teams will be closely monitoring his performance in the seasons leading up to 2026, as the young center has proven he can be a difference-maker when healthy. The unpredictable nature of the NHL free agency market leaves open the possibility for many other skilled players to shake up the rosters across the league.

As the countdown toward 2026 begins, franchises will have to evaluate their own rosters and salary cap situations carefully. The potential availability of superstars could alter team strategies dramatically, making it crucial for both fans and management to keep a close eye on the performances of these elite players. With McDavid, Kaprizov, and Eichel leading the discussion, the excitement surrounding the 2026 free agency period is already heating up.