B/R's Final 2026 NHL Free Agency Big Board
This summer's free-agent class may be among the thinnest talent-wise in NHL history.
All the superstars eligible for UFA status, such as Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid, Minnesota Wild winger Kirill Kaprizov, and Kyle Connor of the Winnipeg Jets, signed contract extensions last fall.
As this season progressed, more stars dropped off. The most notable was Artemi Panarin, who signed a two-year extension after being acquired by the Los Angeles Kings in February.
The trend continued into the postseason and offseason as Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin, Columbus Blue Jackets forward Charlie Coyle, and Seattle Kraken winger Bobby McMann re-signed with their respective clubs. Darren Raddysh was sent to the Toronto Maple Leafs in a sign-and-trade deal.
Malkin, Coyle, McMann, and Raddysh featured prominently in our Way-Too-Early NHL Free Agent Big Board in March.
Nevertheless, several noteworthy players remain available heading into the start of free agency on July 1. Follow along as we rank the best of what's left.
We've dropped Alex Ovechkin from our list for this one. He's to decide in July whether to return for another season with the Washington Capitals or retire.
15. Stuart Skinner
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A thin market for starting goaltenders could work to Stuart Skinner's advantage. The 27-year-old is among the few young veterans in this UFA class. While he's in his playing prime, his inconsistency has been an issue during his five seasons as an NHL starter.
Skinner rose to prominence with the Edmonton Oilers in 2022-23, sporting a record of 29 wins, 14 losses and five overtime losses with a 2.75 goals-against average and a .914 save percentage. He went on to backstop the Oilers to back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals in 2024 and 2025.
Nevertheless, Skinner's save percentage steadily declined over that period. The Oilers traded him to the Pittsburgh Penguins in December, where his inconsistent play continued. He helped the Penguins reach the playoffs, but lost all three of his postseason appearances.
Despite those difficulties, Skinner's playoff experience and the limited market for goalies should lead to him landing with a club in need of help between the pipes. He's completing a three-year deal with an annual average value of $2.6 million and is projected to get a two-year deal worth $4.4 million annually on the open market.
14. Scott Laughton
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Centers have become a prized commodity in this year's trade and free-agent markets.
Teams that aren't able to find suitable options through trades could turn to this summer's free-agent market. While the pickings are slim, Scott Laughton of the Los Angeles Kings could become an enticing option if available on July 1.
After spending nearly 12 seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers, Laughton was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs at the March 2025 trade deadline. A year later, with the Leafs tumbling out of playoff contention, he was shipped to the Los Angeles Kings.
A versatile two-way forward who can play center or wing, Laughton plays a gritty, physical, defensively responsible game. The 31-year-old will draw attention from clubs seeking a reliable, experienced checking-line forward.
Laughton is completing a five-year contract with an average annual value of $3 million. If the Kings fail to re-sign him, it's projected he could get a three-year deal on the open market worth an AAV of $4.1 million.
13. Viktor Arvidsson
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Traded from the Edmonton Oilers to the Boston Bruins last July, Viktor Arvidsson's NHL career seemed to be winding down. A back injury limited him to 18 games with the Los Angeles Kings in 2023-24. After signing a two-year deal with the Oilers, he managed 27 points in 67 games in 2024-25.
However, Arvidsson enjoyed a solid bounce-back performance with the Bruins. He scored 25 goals and 29 assists for 54 points in 69 games, finishing fifth among their scorers. The 33-year-old winger also tallied twice in four playoff games.
Arvidsson earned an average annual value of $4 million on his current contract. On June 18, Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic reported Bruins general manager Don Sweeney was still in contact with the winger's agent in the hope of signing an extension.
However, there's no indication a deal is close as free agency draws near. It's projected that Arvidsson could receive a two-year contract with an AAV of $4.913 million.
12. Patrick Kane
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On June 27, Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman told reporters that his club would love to have Patrick Kane on their team next season. The 37-year-old winger has completed a one-year contract with an average annual value of $3 million.
Kane isn't the superstar he was during his prime with the Chicago Blackhawks. Nevertheless, he's been a reliable veteran presence for the Red Wings since joining them midway through the 2023-24 season. Injuries limited him to 67 games this season, but he still had 57 points to finish fifth among their leading scorers.
The Red Wings are currently facing an uncertain future after team captain Dylan Larkin requested a trade earlier this month. If he's shipped out this summer, the Wings will need Kane's experience and leadership to help them cope with this situation.
If Kane decides to move on and chase a Stanley Cup with another club, he should still draw plenty of interest. It's projected that he could get a one-year deal worth $3.3 million.
11. Frederik Andersen
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After a difficult regular season with the Carolina Hurricanes, Frederik Andersen backstopped them to the Stanley Cup Final before being sidelined by a knee injury in Game 3. Brandon Bussi took over the rest of the way as the Hurricanes won the Cup in six games.
Despite his struggles over the past two seasons, the 36-year-old Andersen's stellar performance during the Hurricanes' championship run could make him an intriguing option for teams seeking reliable playoff goaltending. He finished this postseason with a record of 13-2, a 1.89 goals-against average, and three shutouts.
With Bussi and Pyotr Kotchetkov under contract for the Hurricanes, it's doubtful they'll bring back Andersen. He's finishing a one-year contract worth $2.8 million. It's projected that he could get a similar deal on the open market, but his playoff performance could push it to $3.5 million.
Andersen's age and his injury history will be concerning factors if he goes to market. Still, having that Stanley Cup on his resume is bound to open some doors for him this summer.
10. Boone Jenner
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Most of the hockey world is currently buzzing over reports that Columbus Blue Jackets stars Zach Werenski and Kirill Marchenko aren't interested in signing contract extensions. It's overshadowed the anticipated departure of the franchise's longest-serving member.
Boone Jenner was drafted by the Blue Jackets in 2011. He joined their roster in 2013-14 and spent 13 seasons with them, setting the franchise record for most games played with 808. Jenner is completing a four-year contract with an average annual value of $3.8 million.
A physical two-way forward, the 6'2", 204-pound Jenner is also a respected leader, having captained the Blue Jackets for the past five seasons. He's scored 20-plus goals four times, including a career-high 30 in 2015-16, and exceeded 40 points three times.
Injuries have hampered Jenner's performance over the last five seasons, but he should still draw interest from clubs seeking an experienced middle-six forward who can play center or wing. It's projected he'll receive a three-year contract worth an AAV of $5.2 million.
9. Mason Marchment
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The oft-traveled Mason Marchment landed with the Columbus Blue Jackets in December following a trade with the Seattle Kraken. Between the two teams, the 31-year-old winger had 19 goals and 45 points in 68 games.
A big, physical forward, the 6'5", 212-pounder has bounced around the league since his debut with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2019-20. In addition to the Kraken and Blue Jackets, he also played with the Florida Panthers and Dallas Stars.
Much of that movement was due to playing with clubs carrying limited salary-cap space. Marchment's aggressive style and decent scoring touch could make him a valuable commodity for teams in need of an experienced "shift disturber."
Marchment is completing a four-year contract with an average annual value of $4.5 million. It's projected that he could get a three-year deal worth an AAV of $5.7 million on the open market.
8. Mats Zuccarello
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After seven seasons with the Minnesota Wild, Mats Zuccarello is heading to free agency on July 1. According to Michael Russo and Joe Smith of The Athletic, it seems the Wild have decided to move on from the 38-year-old winger.
Zuccarello was reportedly "pretty ticked" over the status of his contract negotiations with Wild management. While initial discussions suggested the possibility of a deal, the club had "many balls in the air," including efforts to acquire Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin, putting Zuccarello on the back burner.
For most of Zuccarello's tenure in Minnesota, he was the linemate of superstar left wing Kirill Kaprizov. The playmaking Norwegian netted 54 or more points in each of the past five seasons alongside Kaprizov, despite injuries that limited him for 69 games or less in each of the last three seasons.
Zuccarello is completing a two-year contract with an average annual value of $4.13 million. It's projected that a one-year deal worth $5.82 million could be in store for the aging winger. Russo and Smith speculated that the Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks could be among his suitors.
7. Anthony Mantha
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Signed by the Pittsburgh Penguins last summer to a one-year, $2.5 million contract, Anthony Mantha had career highs in games played (81), goals (33), assists (31), and points (64). It was a significant return to form for the 31-year-old winger after seven injury-hampered seasons with four other NHL clubs.
Mantha is hoping to parlay that performance into a lucrative long-term contract on the open market. On June 18, Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic reported the Penguins were only offering a one-year deal, all but ensuring the winger's departure.
A big winger with deceptive speed and an accurate shot, the 6'5", 240-pound Mantha isn't a physical forward. Instead, he uses his size and long reach to generate scoring opportunities.
According to LeBrun, the Mantha camp will be seeking a four-year contract. It's projected that he could get around $6.3 million. He could draw the interest of clubs in the market for an experienced second-line scoring winger.
6. Mario Ferraro
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After spending seven seasons with the San Jose Sharks, Mario Ferraro will be moving on as an unrestricted free agent. The 27-year-old defenseman is completing a four-year contract with an average annual value of $3.3 million.
Unlike many of the players in this year's UFA class, Ferraro is in the prime of his playing career. The 5'11", 200-pound blueliner plays a physical defensive game, averaging 21:14 in time on ice per game in his NHL career. He can chip in a little offensively, but he's more of a stay-at-home defender.
Because the Sharks have been rebuilding throughout Ferraro's NHL career, he has yet to see action in an NHL playoff game. That's where his style of play could prove most effective as the game slows and becomes more of a physical grind. That could make him an attractive option for contending clubs.
Given Ferraro's age and the current stage of his career, he'll be seeking a substantial raise on a long-term deal. He could get a four-year deal worth an AAV of $5.1 million, but the limited number of quality players in this market could push that figure to over $6 million.
5. Jacob Trouba
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On June 19, The Hockey News' Patrick Present cited a report by Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman regarding Jacob Trouba. During an appearance on The FAN Hockey Show, Friedman stated that the 32-year-old right-shot defenseman was not returning with the Anaheim Ducks.
The Ducks acquired Trouba from the New York Rangers in December 2024. The former Rangers captain brought a welcome boost of experience, stability, and leadership to their young blue-line corps, which contributed to ending their eight-season postseason drought this year.
The 6'3", 212-pounder plays a bruising physical game, but he can also contribute offensively, scoring 10 goals and 35 points in 81 games with the Ducks this season. He may have slowed a bit, but his performance this season showed he still has some good years left with the right team.
Trouba is completing a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $8 million. He won't get anything that long or expensive on his next deal. AFP Analytics projects a four-year contract worth an AAV of $6.4 million.
4. Anders Lee
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One of the longest-serving players in New York Islanders history, Anders Lee sits fourth among their franchise leaders with 923 games played. He's also fourth in goals with 308 and 10th in points with 549. The 35-year-old left wing has also been their captain since 2018-19.
However, Lee's 14 seasons with the Islanders could come to an end on July 1. He's eligible to become an unrestricted free agent after completing a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $7 million.
Lee has tallied over 20 goals and 40 points nine times in his career. Despite his age, it's projected that he could receive a three-year contract worth an AAV of $6.61 million.
Stefen Rosner of The Hockey News reported on June 27 that contract talks between Lee and Islanders management are ongoing. He could be re-signed before July 1, but if not, the 6'3", 234-pound winger should draw interest from clubs seeking a big middle-six scoring winger with leadership ability.
3. Sergei Bobrovsky
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When Sergei Bobrovsky signed a seven-year, $70-million contract with the Florida Panthers in 2019, they weren't a preferred destination for NHL talent. When he and the club struggled during his first two seasons in Florida, critics singled out his contract ($10 million average annual value) as among the league's worst.
However, Bobrovsky had the last laugh. He played a crucial role in the Panthers' rise as a powerhouse, backstopping them to three straight Stanley Cup Finals and back-to-back championships in 2024 and 2025.
Bobrovsky is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. On June 24, George Richards of Florida Hockey Now reported that Panthers general manager Bill Zito hadn't shut the door on re-signing the 37-year-old goalie. However, Bobrovsky reportedly seeks a $42 million contract over six or seven years.
The Panthers only have $5.9 million in salary-cap space, meaning they'll have to move out someone before the summer's over to accommodate Bobrovsky's request. Unless he lowers his asking price, Zito could pass on re-signing him.
2. John Carlson
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The past season was a hectic one for John Carlson.
After 17 seasons with the Washington Capitals, the 36-year-old defenseman was shipped to the Anaheim Ducks before the March trade deadline. In 71 games split between the two clubs, he had 14 goals and 60 points, his best production since 2021-22.
A gifted puck-moving, right-shot defenseman, Carlson is coming off an eight-year contract worth an average annual value of $8 million. The Ducks were keen to re-sign him, but he informed them that he intends to go to market on July 1, intending to sign with an Eastern club.
On June 27, the Ducks traded Carlson's rights to the Carolina Hurricanes for a draft pick. The Hurricanes will have until July 1 to sign him to an extension. Otherwise, he'll hit the open market on Wednesday at noon ET.
TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported Carlson is seeking a two-year contract worth $10 million per season. He might have to lower his asking price if the Hurricanes or any of his other preferred Eastern destinations lack sufficient cap room for that type of deal.
1. Rasmus Andersson
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With Darren Raddysh joining the Toronto Maple Leafs in a sign-and-trade deal, Rasmus Andersson becomes the top defenseman in this summer's UFA market. That's assuming he doesn't already have an agreement in place on an extension with the Vegas Golden Knights.
The Golden Knights acquired the 29-year-old Andersson from the Calgary Flames in January. He's completed a six-year contract with an average annual value of $4.6 million. A skillful all-around, right-shot defenseman, he had 17 goals and 47 points in 81 games with the Flames and Golden Knights.
Andersson played second-pairing minutes for the Golden Knights with former Flames teammate Noah Hanifin. Shayna Goldman of The Athletic reports that AFP Analytics and Evolving-Hockey are projecting an AAV between $8.65 million and $9.65 million if he re-signs with the Golden Knights.
Goldman believes Andersson's inconsistent play this season could make him a risky signing. However, the Golden Knights gave up a lot to get him and could be confident he'll return to form. It's speculated he could have a deal in place already, with the Golden Knights waiting to be cap-compliant on July 1 to sign him.
Stats via NHL.com. Contract and salary cap info via PuckPedia. Salary projections via AFP Analytics.
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