NHL Free Agency: McDavid, Eichel Among Potential 2026 Superstars

While the 2025 NHL free agency period proved less `frenzy` and more `fizzle`, those hoping for more excitement in the market have reason for optimism looking ahead. The class of potential free agents in 2026 has the makings of one of the most significant in league history.

In the days leading up to July 1st this year, several prominent players expected to become unrestricted free agents instead chose to sign extensions with their current teams. The Florida Panthers successfully re-signed key players like Sam Bennett and Aaron Ekblad. Similarly, John Tavares remained with the Toronto Maple Leafs on a value contract, and Matt Duchene and Brock Nelson inked new deals with the Dallas Stars and Toronto Maple Leafs, respectively. Even high-end forward Brock Boeser briefly explored the market before ultimately deciding to re-sign with the Vancouver Canucks.

The most talked-about potential free agent of the 2025 class, Mitch Marner, was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights and signed a long-term extension well before the July 1st deadline.

All these early re-signings and the trade contributed to a rather subdued initial day of NHL free agency. As of now, skilled winger Nikolaj Ehlers stands out as one of the few notable players still available. Many hockey fans were left wanting more action, and the 2026 offseason could potentially deliver just that.

Looking ahead – while acknowledging that many of the players mentioned will likely sign extensions before becoming free agents – there is substantial potential for July 1st, 2026, to be among the most impactful free agency dates the league has ever seen.

Superstars such as Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel, and Kirill Kaprizov are set to become unrestricted free agents after the next season, and they represent just the beginning of a potentially deep class.

Following back-to-back losses in the Stanley Cup Final, does McDavid believe the Oilers roster is capable of providing him and Leon Draisaitl sufficient support to finally overcome the final hurdle? Recurring issues, including a lack of scoring depth and inconsistent goaltending, have been obstacles for Edmonton in the playoffs.

Kaprizov presents another intriguing case; the Minnesota Wild have yet to advance past the first round with him on the team. Can Minnesota demonstrate its commitment to building a genuine Stanley Cup contender by acquiring a true star center to play alongside the dynamic Russian winger?

Eichel appears less likely than others to actually reach the open market, primarily because he is in an excellent situation with the Golden Knights. Vegas is a perennial championship contender and recently made another bold move by acquiring Marner.

Sergei Bobrovsky, should he become available, would attract significant interest from teams in need of a starting goaltender, especially those seeking a netminder with a proven track record of playoff success. Alex Ovechkin might consider retirement, but what if the Washington Capitals fall short again in 2025 and he desires one last push for the Cup elsewhere? The Los Angeles Kings currently seem poised for a potential regression, and if that occurs, Adrian Kempe might look to offer his offensive talents to a new club.

This potential list doesn`t even include prominent restricted free agents like Jason Robertson and Martin Necas, who are expected to command large contracts and will have considerable influence over their next team destination.

Perhaps the quietness of the 2025 NHL free agent period will ultimately pay off with a truly spectacular frenzy in 2026. At the very least, that`s what hockey fans can anticipate with just under a year remaining until that crucial date.