Photo Credit: NHL.com
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NHL free agency begins July 1 at noon Eastern, and teams have plenty of money to spend. The salary cap rises to $104.5 million for the 2026-27 season. Consequently, many general managers enter the market with significant financial flexibility. According to PuckPedia, 22 teams own at least $10 million in projected cap space, while 11 clubs have more than $20 million available. Therefore, fans should expect an aggressive opening day despite several top players signing before free agency. The unrestricted free agent class has become smaller during the past week. Several teams completed extensions before the market opened. Meanwhile, the Carolina Hurricanes continue negotiating with veteran defenseman John Carlson after acquiring his negotiating rights. Even so, numerous impact players remain available, and several stars could land lucrative contracts.
Defenseman Rasmus Andersson headlines the remaining class. Andersson carried a $4.55 million cap hit with the Vegas Golden Knights during the 2025-26 season. His play looked inconsistent after arriving from Calgary in January. However, he improved significantly late in the season while skating alongside former Flames teammate Noah Hanifin. Andersson also logged heavy playoff minutes during Vegas’ run to the Stanley Cup Final. Although Vegas faces salary cap pressure, both sides reportedly remain interested in another contract. Carlson also ranks among the top available players. The 36-year-old defenseman finished last season with an $8 million cap hit. He collected 20 points in 28 combined regular-season and playoff games after his trade. Carlson still quarterbacks a power play at an elite level, and contenders continue valuing his offensive production. As a result, he should command a strong annual salary despite seeking only a short-term contract.
Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky also enters free agency after an impressive career resurgence. Bobrovsky earned $10 million last season while helping the Florida Panthers capture two Stanley Cup championships. He already owns two Vezina Trophy awards and more than 400 career victories. Florida’s acquisition of Jacob Markstrom signals the franchise will move in another direction. Therefore, Bobrovsky becomes one of the market’s most intriguing veterans and could approach another contract worth nearly $10 million annually. Future Hall of Famer Alex Ovechkin also remains without a contract. Ovechkin played last season with a $9.5 million cap hit. However, retirement has not become his immediate priority. Instead, he wants to evaluate Washington’s championship outlook before making his decision. Ovechkin also suggested he would likely either remain with the Capitals or retire instead of joining another franchise.
Several proven forwards should also attract significant interest. Boone Jenner, who carried a $3.75 million cap hit, remains one of the best available centers. Although injuries limited him throughout recent seasons, Jenner still averages 27 goals and 56 points per 82 games over the past five years. Consequently, playoff contenders should pursue his leadership and scoring ability. Defenseman Jacob Trouba revived his value with the Anaheim Ducks after carrying an $8 million cap hit. His physical style continues attracting teams despite signs of decline. Likewise, Mario Ferraro enters free agency at only 27 years old after earning $3.25 million with the San Jose Sharks. Ferraro logs heavy minutes and could thrive on a stronger defensive club.
Among the wingers, Mason Marchment stands out after finishing the season with Columbus. Marchment earned $4.5 million last year and nearly produced at a point-per-game pace after arriving in Columbus. Meanwhile, Anthony Mantha enjoyed a career year with 33 goals and 64 points in 81 games while playing under a $2.5 million contract. Therefore, Mantha should receive one of the biggest raises available despite concerns about his injury history. Veteran captain Anders Lee also becomes available after carrying a $7 million cap hit with the New York Islanders. Lee quietly ranked among the NHL’s best forwards in expected goals during five-on-five play. As a result, several contenders could view him as an ideal veteran addition.
Other recognizable names include Patrick Kane, Claude Giroux, Mats Zuccarello, Patrik Laine, Jaden Schwartz, and Frederik Andersen. Kane finished strong with 25 points over his final 24 games after the Olympic break while playing on a $3 million contract. Giroux played last season for only $2 million and still contributed as a productive secondary scorer. Zuccarello earned $4.125 million and continues producing alongside Kirill Kaprizov. Meanwhile, Laine enters free agency after an injury limited him to only five games, despite carrying an $8.7 million cap hit. Several experienced role players also headline the middle tier of free agency. Those names include Erik Haula, Scott Laughton, Jack Roslovic, Viktor Arvidsson, Oliver Bjorkstrand, Corey Perry, Cam Talbot, John Klingberg, Jamie Benn, and James van Riemsdyk. Each veteran offers playoff experience and leadership while filling important depth roles.
Goaltending also features several interesting options beyond Bobrovsky. Stuart Skinner, Connor Ingram, and Talbot all seek new opportunities. Teams needing affordable help in net should closely monitor those veterans throughout free agency. Ultimately, the combination of a rising salary cap and numerous teams holding significant financial flexibility should produce an active opening day. Several stars already avoided free agency by signing extensions. Nevertheless, many accomplished veterans remain available. General managers now face important decisions that could shape the 2026-27 NHL season. Fans should expect major contracts, surprising destinations, and plenty of movement once the market officially opens.
Author Profile
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Bradley Walker serves as the Director of Operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball.
Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour.
In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights.
He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a co-host on the P&W Sports Report and hosting The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.
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