Speculating on NHL free agency a full year out is akin to predicting the weather during a Florida summer – chaotic and subject to immediate change. Yet, the allure of potential roster shakeups on July 1st is too great to resist, especially after a somewhat subdued 2025 market. While many high-profile names typically re-sign or are traded before ever reaching the open market, a select few intriguing players stand out as more likely candidates to test free agency in 2026.
Before diving into potential targets, it`s essential to temper expectations. The league`s absolute superstars like Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel, Kirill Kaprizov, and Kyle Connor are exceedingly rare examples of players who reach UFA status, and breadcrumbs usually appear well in advance if they do. Similarly, revered veterans such as Alex Ovechkin (approaching 40) and Evgeni Malkin (nearing 39) are likely to retire with their current clubs, Washington and Pittsburgh, respectively, if they continue playing beyond this season. Other long-tenured or established veterans like Sergei Bobrovsky (though he might sign for less to stay in Florida), Anze Kopitar, John Carlson, Adam Lowry, Boone Jenner, Mattias Ekholm, and Jacob Markstrom are generally expected to finish their careers or next contracts with their current teams, making them less likely to appear on the 2026 UFA list.
However, beyond these mainstays and untouchable stars, a fascinating group of players presents a more realistic possibility of hitting the 2026 market. These are players whose contract situations, team circumstances, or personal aspirations suggest they might explore their options.
Rasmus Andersson, Defenseman
The veteran Calgary Flames blueliner is perhaps the player on this list most likely to be wearing a different uniform before next summer. Andersson, set to turn 29 in October, has been a fixture in trade rumors this offseason. If the Flames find a suitable trade partner, a deal could happen soon, potentially including a contract extension that would prevent him from becoming a UFA. However, if he remains in Calgary and is moved closer to the 2026 trade deadline, he could serve as a valuable rental before commanding significant attention on the open market as a highly sought-after right-shot defenseman capable of moving the puck.
Martin Necas, Right Wing
Acquired by the Colorado Avalanche in a trade involving Mikko Rantanen (a notable star who did avoid UFA via trade-and-sign in 2025), Necas signed a two-year deal as an RFA with the 2026 UFA class firmly in view. This suggests a potential desire to experience unrestricted free agency. If the Avalanche cannot secure a long-term extension with the 26-year-old winger, his size (six-foot-three) and offensive upside would make him an extremely attractive commodity on the open market. It would be unusual for Colorado to trade a top-line winger nearing UFA status two years in a row, but Necas`s situation makes him a prime candidate to reach July 1st.
Alex Tuch, Right Wing
Fresh off watching the Florida Panthers succeed with a roster built on skilled, hard-to-play-against players, Buffalo Sabres winger Alex Tuch fits that mold perfectly. His imposing six-foot-four, 220-pound frame combined with a scoring touch screams `missing piece` for teams aiming for playoff success. As his contract nears expiry, Tuch, a proven competitor, becomes a significant name to watch. Buffalo`s ability (or willingness) to sign him long-term will determine if he becomes one of the more coveted power forwards available in the summer of 2026.
Predicting free agency a year in advance is fraught with peril, but these players represent some of the most intriguing names whose current trajectories make reaching the 2026 unrestricted free agent market a distinct possibility. Their availability would undoubtedly inject significant excitement and cap-spending opportunities into what is always a pivotal day on the NHL calendar.
