Ah, July 1st in the National Hockey League. For fans, it`s a day fueled by hope, speculation, and the annual dream of landing that transformative player. For general managers, it`s a high-stakes gamble, a frantic rush often defined more by who doesn`t make it to market than who does. Fresh off what felt, by some accounts, like a rather subdued 2025 free agency period, our collective gaze inevitably drifts forward. So, who might be the marquee names available when the doors swing open on July 1, 2026?
Predicting the free agent landscape a full year in advance is, frankly, an exercise best undertaken with a healthy dose of caution – and perhaps a small wager on the unpredictable nature of professional sports. A lot can happen: contracts are extended, players are traded, and sometimes, veterans decide enough is enough and hang up their skates.
The Unlikely Candidates (Don`t Hold Your Breath)
Before we dive into potential targets, let`s address the usual suspects who generate immense buzz but rarely hit the open market. Players like Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel, Artemi Panarin, Kirill Kaprizov, and Kyle Connor are generational talents. Teams with players of this caliber tend to lock them up long-term well before they sniff unrestricted free agency. Panarin’s move in 2019 was a notable exception, but instances of true superstars changing teams as UFAs are few and far between, usually signaled by plenty of forewarning.
Then there`s the category of franchise icons reaching the twilight of their careers. Veterans such as Alex Ovechkin, Evgeni Malkin, Anze Kopitar, and John Carlson seem destined to finish their careers with the teams they`ve defined for so long (Washington, Pittsburgh, Los Angeles). Similarly, captains like Adam Lowry in Winnipeg and Boone Jenner in Columbus feel intrinsically tied to their current cities. Even highly effective veterans like Mattias Ekholm in Edmonton or Jacob Markstrom, now thriving in New Jersey, appear comfortably situated with contenders. While nothing is impossible in the NHL, the smart money is firmly on these pillars staying put, through extension or retirement.
Where the Action Might Be
So, if the biggest names and franchise stalwarts are likely off the board, where does the “crazy money” (or at least, the significantly large contracts) land next summer? The real intrigue often lies with players who, for various team-specific or personal reasons, haven`t inked extensions and appear on a potential path to testing the market. Here are a few names, based on the current tea leaves, who seem more likely candidates to become UFAs in 2026:
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Rasmus Andersson, Defenseman (Calgary Flames)
Perhaps the player least likely to still be with his current team by July 1, 2026, is Andersson. The Flames defenseman`s name has been a constant presence on trade boards. A move this offseason or closer to the 2026 trade deadline is a distinct possibility. If he is traded, an extension with his new club isn`t guaranteed, potentially making him a highly sought-after right-shot defenseman on the open market. Teams are always lining up for reliable puck-movers on the back end, and Andersson fits the bill.
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Martin Necas, Right Wing (Colorado Avalanche)
The hockey world was somewhat taken aback when Colorado traded Mikko Rantanen, a pending UFA, last season (who eventually landed in Dallas). The return included Martin Necas, who subsequently signed a shorter two-year deal as a restricted free agent, a move often interpreted as a deliberate step toward unrestricted free agency in 2026. If Necas and the Avalanche can`t find common ground on a long-term extension over the next year, the six-foot-three winger, who will still be in his mid-twenties, would instantly become one of the most attractive forwards available, bringing size, skill, and speed to the bidding table.
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Alex Tuch, Right Wing (Buffalo Sabres)
Following recent Stanley Cup trends, there`s a premium placed on big, skilled wingers who are tough to play against. Standing six-foot-four and weighing in at 220 pounds, Alex Tuch embodies this profile perfectly. He possesses both scoring ability and the physical presence needed for playoff success. For teams looking for a “missing piece” to elevate their roster and add grit and finish, Tuch would undoubtedly be a prime target, potentially commanding significant attention and salary on the open market.
It`s crucial to reiterate that this is merely an early peek into the future. Circumstances change rapidly in the NHL. A strong season could lead to an unexpected extension, a trade could shift a player`s trajectory, or injuries could impact their market value. Nevertheless, keeping an eye on players like Andersson, Necas, and Tuch provides an early glimpse into the potential storylines and bidding wars that could define the 2026 NHL free agency period. The countdown is on, and the speculation machine is officially operational.
