NHL free agency: Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel among superstars who could hit the market in 2026

The 2025 NHL free agency period proved to be rather anticlimactic, characterized more by a “fizzle” than a “frenzy.” For those anticipating more exciting developments, the good news is that the potential 2026 NHL free agent class is shaping up to be one of the most significant in history.

In the days leading up to July 1st this year, several prominent players expected to test the market instead opted to sign extensions with their current teams. The Florida Panthers successfully retained key players such as Sam Bennett, Brad Marchand, and Aaron Ekblad.

John Tavares agreed to a team-friendly deal to remain with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Matt Duchene re-signed with the Dallas Stars, while Brock Nelson chose to stay with the Toronto Maple Leafs. High-end forward Brock Boeser briefly became a free agent before having a change of heart and ultimately re-signing with the Vancouver Canucks.

Mitch Marner, arguably the biggest name potentially available this year, was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights before July 1st and quickly signed a long-term extension there.

This sequence of events resulted in a rather underwhelming start to NHL free agency. Skilled and speedy winger Nikolaj Ehlers is one of the few notable players still available. Hockey fans were left wanting more action, and they may very well get it during the 2026 offseason.

Looking ahead to July 1, 2026, the potential for a truly monumental free agency day exists, even with the understanding that many players will likely sign extensions before then.

Superstar talents like Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel, and Kirill Kaprizov are among those whose contracts are set to expire after next season, and they represent just the beginning of the potential high-profile free agents.

Following back-to-back appearances in the Stanley Cup Final that ended in defeat, questions linger: Does McDavid believe the Oilers organization can provide enough support for him and Leon Draisaitl to finally secure a championship? The team continues to be plagued by familiar issues like insufficient depth scoring and inconsistent goaltending in the postseason.

Kirill Kaprizov`s situation is also noteworthy, as the Minnesota Wild have yet to advance past the first round of the playoffs during his time with the team. To convince Kaprizov to stay, Minnesota must demonstrate a genuine commitment to building a true Stanley Cup contender, possibly by acquiring an elite center to play alongside the skilled Russian forward.

Jack Eichel appears least likely among the top names to actually become a free agent, given his favorable position with the Golden Knights. Vegas is a consistent Cup contender and recently made another significant move by adding Mitch Marner.

Sergei Bobrovsky would likely generate considerable interest from teams in need of goaltending, especially those seeking a netminder with a proven track record of playoff success. Alexander Ovechkin`s future is uncertain and retirement is possible, but what if the Washington Capitals fall short again in 2025? He might consider seeking another opportunity to chase the Cup elsewhere. The Los Angeles Kings currently seem poised for a decline, and if that occurs, Adrian Kempe might look to bring his scoring prowess to a new team.

This list doesn`t even account for talented restricted free agents like Jason Robertson and Martin Necas, who are expected to command substantial contracts and will have significant influence over their next teams.

Perhaps the quiet nature of the 2025 NHL free agent market will ultimately be worth it if it leads to a truly explosive frenzy in 2026. That`s certainly what hockey fans can hope for as the next offseason approaches.