NHL free agent big board: The pickings are slim, but someone’s getting paid

After helping the Sabres finally return to the postseason, will Alex Tuch return to Buffalo in 2026-27? Joe Hrycych / Getty ImagesJune 8, 2026 6:00 am EDT Updated Good luck finding a high-impact center on the NHL’s free-agent market this summer. There are no obvious options available.The Columbus Blue Jackets took the last top-six pivot off the board by stretching hard to retain 34-year-old Charlie Coyle on a $36 million, six-year deal last month. Credit to Coyle, who was coming off a solid year with the Blue Jackets. But the risk baked into that contract from the team’s end speaks to how scarce the center market actually is.July 1 is shaping up as a bonanza for the biggest names on our big board. There’s much more money available in the system than there is a supply of appealing targets, which means there are going to be some eye-popping contracts signed this summer.

Here’s a look at the top 50 available players.As always, players are ranked by how closely they demand watching, given their potential impact and the buzz around them.(Note: Net ratings are for 2025-26 via The Athletic’s Dom Luszczyszyn’s model, stats are via Hockey-Reference and GSAx via Evolving-Hockey. Contract projections are via CapWages and AFP Analytics.)Expand allCollapse allTeam at end of 2025-26Buffalo SabresPositionWingerShootsRightAge30Previous contract7 years, $4,750,000 AAV2025-26 stats79 GP, 33 G, 66 PTS, 19:00 ATOITuch is likely to land the richest deal of any potential UFA this summer because there’s no one else available with his set of attributes. A power forward with good speed for a big man, he’s a perennial 30-goal scorer with a dangerous shot. As a bonus, he’s a threat to score short-handed, too. The Sabres have indicated a willingness to extend Tuch, but so far they haven’t gotten into his price range. He may have to move on to secure $10 million or more per season.Contract projection7 years, $10,116,888 AAVNet ratingUnsignedWingerForwardTeam at end of 2025-26Tampa Bay LightningPositionDefensemanShootsRightAge30Previous contract2 years, $975,000 AAV2025-26 stats73 GP, 22 G, 70 PTS, 22:42 ATOITalk about timing the market perfectly. Raddysh exploded for 70 points in his walk year, stepping into a major role during a season in which the Lightning played without Victor Hedman for significant stretches. Once an undrafted free agent, Raddysh is a late-bloomer who possesses a cannon for a shot and is ideally suited for quarterbacking a power play. He’s also effective at moving the puck and has taken big strides in his defensive play in recent years, creating a well-rounded analytical profile in the process. To top it off, Raddysh plays a premier position as a right-shot defenseman, virtually guaranteeing a strong market for his services.Contract projection6 years, $8,037,900 AAVNet ratingUnsignedDefensemanRight-shot defensemanTeam at end of 2025-26Vegas Golden KnightsPositionDefensemanShootsRightAge29Previous contract6 years, $4,550,000 AAV2025-26 stats81 GP, 17 G, 47 PTS, 23:12 ATOIThere’s a fair amount of skepticism over whether the Swede will even test the open waters. Vegas was viewed as his desired destination long before the Golden Knights landed him in a January trade from the Calgary Flames, and Andersson has shaken off a slow start there to play some of his best hockey down the stretch and into the playoffs. Andersson is a well-rounded two-way defenseman who has the size needed to win puck battles, the competitiveness needed to make life difficult on opponents and the agility needed to help his team go on the attack offensively. He touches all facets of the game.Contract projection6 years, $8,744,914 AAVNet ratingUnsignedDefensemanRight-shot defensemanTeam at end of 2025-26Anaheim DucksPositionDefensemanShootsRightAge36Previous contract8 years, $8,000,000 AAV2025-26 stats71 GP, 14 G, 60 PTS, 23:10 ATOIThe Ducks have had exploratory talks on an extension with Carlson since acquiring him from the Washington Capitals at the trade deadline. The veteran defenseman remains a strong puck mover who possesses a shot that opponents need to respect. He put up an eye-catching 60 points between the Ducks and the Washington Capitals this season, doing most of his damage at even strength, before averaging more than 24 minutes per night for the Ducks in the playoffs. Clearly, he’s still got game. Carlson will likely command around a $9 million AAV on a short-term deal.Contract projection3 years, $7,030,400 AAVNet ratingUnsignedDefensemanRight-shot defensemanTeam at end of 2025-26Florida PanthersPositionGoalieAge37Previous contract7 years, $10,000,000 AAV2025-26 stats52 GP, 27-23-1, .877 SV%Bobrovsky has been seeking a long-term deal with the Panthers following three straight trips to the Stanley Cup Final, and the sides now appear to be at a stalemate. His numbers took a big dip last season, but he’s a reasonable bet to play well into his 40s because of his exceptional conditioning. Bobrovsky is an athletic goaltender, particularly when it comes to lateral mobility, and he carries the added allure that comes with Cup credentials.Contract projection2 years, $5,595,200 AAVAdvanced metricsUnsignedGoalieTeam at end of 2025-26New York IslandersPositionWingerShootsLeftAge35Previous contract7 years, $7,000,000 AAV2025-26 stats82 GP, 19 G, 42 PTS, 15:38 ATOIA hulking winger who makes his living around the net, Lee appears set to move on from the Islanders. He’s a durable, hard-working player and remains a threat to score on the power play, which accounts for 30 of the 124 goals he scored across the past five seasons. Lee brings leadership intangibles, having worn the “C” on Long Island, and profiles as a power forward who is tough to contain physically.Contract projection3 years, $6,607,466 AAVNet ratingUnsignedWingerForwardTeam at end of 2025-26Anaheim DucksPositionDefensemanShootsRightAge32Previous contract7 years, $8,000,000 AAV2025-26 stats81 GP, 10 G, 35 PTS, 22:50 ATOIA big, physical right-shot defenseman, Trouba's game is built around defensive structure and preventing goals rather than creating them. He gets around the ice pretty well and can clear traffic at the net-front, while always looming as a threat to lower the boom on an opponent. He was the defensive conscience on a pairing with Jackson LaCombe when the Ducks upset the Edmonton Oilers in Round 1. That’s a pretty good advertisement to prospective bidders about what Trouba can still do.Contract projection4 years, $6,401,777 AAVNet ratingUnsignedDefensemanRight-shot defensemanTeam at end of 2025-26Pittsburgh PenguinsPositionWingerShootsLeftAge31Previous contract1 year, $4,500,000 AAV2025-26 stats81 GP, 33 G, 64 PTS, 15:11 ATOIMantha signed a prove-it contract with the Penguins last summer after recovering from a torn ACL in his right knee, and he proved it in a big way. Long viewed as a dangerous scorer with an excellent shot who struggled to put it all together, Mantha struck for a career-best 33 goals and 64 points. The only sour note came from a rough playoff performance, which included just one point (an assist) in six games, but that shouldn’t overshadow the fact that Mantha reestablished himself as an offensively gifted winger.Contract projection4 years, $6,354,400 AAVNet ratingUnsignedWingerForwardTeam at end of 2025-26Dallas StarsPositionWingerShootsLeftAge30Previous contract3 years, $4,500,000 AAV2025-26 stats74 GP, 14 G, 33 PTS, 14:26 ATOIThe well-traveled scoring winger finished last season on a sour note with the Dallas Stars, but he should still be in reasonable demand. He gets under the skin of opponents with a high-energy style. Bunting is unafraid to engage in puck battles and is well-suited to playing alongside high-end teammates because he can help win it back for them.Contract projection4 years, $5,809,818 AAVNet ratingUnsignedWingerForwardTeam at end of 2025-26Columbus Blue JacketsPositionWingerShootsLeftAge30Previous contract4 years, $4,500,000 AAV2025-26 stats68 GP, 19 G, 45 PTS, 17:22 ATOIAn in-season trade to the Columbus Blue Jackets sparked Marchment’s flatlining game this past season and put him in a much stronger position heading into free agency. The big winger plays an aggressive style and has good hands in tight spaces, as evidenced by the 15 goals he scored for Columbus in 39 games. He doesn’t shy away from physicality and plays a style more resembling the power forwards of years gone by than what is typical in today’s NHL.Contract projection3 years, $5,670,600 AAVNet ratingUnsignedWingerForwardTeam at end of 2025-26Seattle KrakenPositionWingerShootsLeftAge29Previous contract2 years, $1,350,000 AAV2025-26 stats78 GP, 29 G, 46 PTS, 15:56 ATOIMcMann is staring down the biggest payday of his professional career after scoring 29 goals in a season split between the Kraken and the Toronto Maple Leafs — the fourth-highest total among potential free agents this summer. A big body who skates well, McMann drives the net hard and plays a power game. He’s also unafraid to take the body and get in on the forecheck, and he has authored a great story of perseverance — going undrafted before working his way up from the ECHL. His biggest asset is an explosive shot release.Contract projection4 years, $5,304,000 AAVNet ratingUnsignedWingerForwardTeam at end of 2025-26Columbus Blue JacketsPositionCenterShootsLeftAge32Previous contract4 years, $3,750,000 AAV2025-26 stats67 GP, 13 G, 38 PTS, 16:05 ATOIA competitive, heart-on-his-sleeve center who has spent his entire NHL career in Columbus, Jenner may have to test the market to maximize his value. He’s unafraid to go to the hard areas of the ice and can put the puck in the net, which are attractive attributes for a third-liner. He also won more than 52 percent of his faceoffs this past season. The biggest drag on Jenner’s career has been an inability to remain healthy, having not eclipsed 68 games in the past five seasons.Contract projection3 years, $5,209,100 AAVNet ratingUnsignedCenterWingerForwardTeam at end of 2025-26Edmonton OilersPositionCenterShootsLeftAge30Previous contract2 years, $4,250,000 AAV2025-26 stats64 GP, 7 G, 17 PTS, 15:32 ATOIA defense-first center who specializes in smothering opponents, Dickinson is ideally suited for a bottom-six and penalty-kill role on a strong team. He was a good fit in Edmonton after coming over from the Chicago Blackhawks at the trade deadline until an ankle injury slowed him down for the playoffs.Contract projection4 years, $5,046,971 AAVNet ratingUnsignedCenterForwardTeam at end of 2025-26Minnesota WildPositionWingerShootsLeftAge38Previous contract2 years, $4,125,000 AAV2025-26 stats59 GP, 15 G, 54 PTS, 18:39 ATOIStill logging top-line minutes in Minnesota and churning out the offensive production to justify that usage, Zuccarello’s playmaking skills haven’t diminished much with age. He’s formed an incredible partnership with Wild superstar Kirill Kaprizov in recent years, making it unlikely that he’d ever be compelled to test the open market. However, if Zuccarello ends up fielding interest, his agent’s phone will be ringing.Contract projection1 year, $5,817,066 AAVNet ratingUnsignedWingerForwardTeam at end of 2025-26San Jose SharksPositionDefensemanShootsRightAge33Previous contract1 year, $4,000,000 AAV2025-26 stats56 GP, 10 G, 27 PTS, 20:28 ATOIKlingberg may not move as well as he once did after double hip resurfacing surgery in 2024, but he’s shown that his offensive instincts are still intact, scoring 10 goals this past season with San Jose. Klingberg’s biggest strengths are a booming shot and an ability to move the puck quickly and effectively. He can help out a power play, too.Contract projection2 years, $5,174,742 AAVNet ratingUnsignedDefensemanRight-shot defensemanTeam at end of 2025-26San Jose SharksPositionDefensemanShootsLeftAge27Previous contract4 years, $3,250,000 AAV2025-26 stats82 GP, 7 G, 23 PTS, 21:02 ATOIOn the younger end of this UFA class, Ferraro is a minute-munching, shot-blocking defenseman who appears capable of producing much better numbers on a more complete team than the Sharks have been in recent years. He’s also a decent puck mover and penalty killer with a competitive streak to match. Ferraro will be looking for a long-term commitment on his next contract.Contract projection4 years, $5,131,533 AAVNet ratingUnsignedDefensemanLeft-shot defensemanTeam at end of 2025-26Boston BruinsPositionWingerShootsRightAge33Previous contract2 years, $4,000,000 AAV2025-26 stats69 GP, 25 G, 54 PTS, 14:36 ATOILast summer’s trade to Boston was a breath of fresh air for Arvidsson’s game. At his best, the undersized winger plays with a hard-nosed style that yields dividends at both ends of the ice. He’s quick and possesses good puck skills, returning to the 25-goal plateau for the Bruins after a couple years below it. That should help earn Arvidsson another solid payday.Contract projection2 years, $4,913,422 AAVNet ratingUnsignedWingerForwardTeam at end of 2025-26Seattle KrakenPositionWingerShootsLeftAge33Previous contract5 years, $5,500,000 AAV2025-26 stats50 GP, 11 G, 26 PTS, 16:08 ATOIA defensively responsible two-way forward with a high compete level, Schwartz saw a sharp decline in his production with the Kraken last season. However, he’s only two years removed from a 26-goal season and has cracked the 20-goal plateau on six occasions during his career. He also carries a little extra shine thanks to his Stanley Cup bona fides, earned during the St. Louis Blues' 2019 run, when he had a team-best 12 playoff goals.Contract projection2 years, $4,756,960 AAVNet ratingUnsignedWingerForwardTeam at end of 2025-26Edmonton OilersPositionWingerShootsRightAge29Previous contract1 year, $1,500,000 AAV2025-26 stats69 GP, 21 G, 36 PTS, 15:46 ATOIHe’ll be hoping for a smoother free agent experience than last year, when he sat on the market until October before signing in Edmonton and putting up another 20-goal season. A strong skater with a decent set of offensive tools, Roslovic can be counted on to produce about 0.5 points per game. He brings some versatility as a right winger or center who can help a power play. However, Roslovic has also battled consistency issues throughout his career.Contract projection3 years, $4,696,640 AAVNet ratingUnsignedWingerForwardCenterTeam at end of 2025-26Pittsburgh PenguinsPositionGoalieAge27Previous contract3 years, $2,600,000 AAV2025-26 stats50 GP, 23-17-9, .888 SV%Skinner put up reasonably solid regular-season numbers following a December trade to Pittsburgh, producing 15.51 goals saved above expected with the Penguins while compiling a 12-9-5 record. A positionally sound goaltender who excels at remaining square to the shooter, his track record suggests that he can form one half of a successful tandem. Skinner has plenty of big-game experience from consecutive runs to the Stanley Cup Final with the Edmonton Oilers in 2024 and 2025.Contract projection2 years, $4,399,200 AAVAdvanced metricsUnsignedGoalieTeam at end of 2025-26Carolina HurricanesPositionGoalieAge36Previous contract1 year, $3,500,000 AAV2025-26 stats35 GP, 16-14-5, .874 SV%The biggest question surrounding Andersen in recent years has been durability. But he’s had a strong run to the Stanley Cup Final for the red-hot Hurricanes this spring, which should at least attract attention from teams searching for a short-term upgrade in net. Andersen is a big goalie who uses his size well, relying more on positioning than acrobatic saves. He plays a butterfly style and counts rebound control among his strengths.Contract projection1 year, $2,818,400 AAVAdvanced metricsUnsignedGoalieTeam at end of 2025-26Los Angeles KingsPositionCenterShootsLeftAge32Previous contract5 years, $3,000,000 AAV2025-26 stats64 GP, 13 G, 20 PTS, 14:21 ATOIThe veteran high-character center is looking for a raise after having a strong finish to his season in Los Angeles following a deadline day trade from the Toronto Maple Leafs. Not only is he a heart-and-soul player who helps set the dressing room culture, he’s incredibly reliable in the faceoff dot. A steady bottom-six option.Contract projection3 years, $4,108,000 AAVNet ratingUnsignedCenterForwardTeam at end of 2025-26Pittsburgh PenguinsPositionDefensemanShootsLeftAge29Previous contract1 year, $900,000 AAV2025-26 stats80 GP, 6 G, 35 PTS, 18:53 ATOIShea's game has taken a big step forward in each of his three seasons, culminating with a breakout 35-point campaign for Pittsburgh in 2025-26. The left-shot defenseman is known for his two-way play. He has strong positional awareness, good size and gets around the ice well. He developed into an effective penalty killer for the Penguins as well.Contract projection4 years, $4,367,054 AAVNet ratingUnsignedDefensemanLeft-shot defensemanTeam at end of 2025-26Boston BruinsPositionDefensemanShootsRightAge28Previous contract3 years, $2,750,000 AAV2025-26 stats77 GP, 5 G, 14 PTS, 19:23 ATOIPeeke is a mobile right-shot defenseman who excels in the defensive aspects of the game. While big at 6-foot-3, he isn’t known for being overly physical. But his reach is effective at allowing him to break up plays, and he’s a decent puck-mover who can get the play heading in a favorable direction. He averaged more than 19 minutes per game for the Bruins this past season.Contract projection4 years, $4,130,100 AAVNet ratingUnsignedDefensemanRight-shot defensemanTeam at end of 2025-26Colorado AvalanchePositionDefensemanShootsRightAge28Previous contract2 years, $775,000 AAV2025-26 stats61 GP, 8 G, 24 PTS, 16:48 ATOIUndersized at 5-foot-9, the right-shot defenseman leans on his offensive instincts and smarts to make an impact. There’s also a degree of fearlessness to his play. Blankenburg can contribute to a power play and help create offense.Contract projection2 years, $4,062,933 AAVNet ratingUnsignedDefensemanRight-shot defensemanTeam at end of 2025-26Colorado AvalanchePositionDefensemanShootsLeftAge32Previous contract4 years, $2,750,000 AAV2025-26 stats83 GP, 1 G, 12 PTS, 18:58 ATOIKulak profiles as a steady defensive defenseman and has played an incredible 88 playoff games across the last five springs. What you see is what you get from the veteran: He’s a penalty killer and has been deployed on both sides of the ice in the past. He’s also a nice complement to a more offensively-inclined partner.Contract projection3 years, $4,051,377 AAVNet ratingUnsignedDefensemanLeft-shot defensemanTeam at end of 2025-26Los Angeles KingsPositionWingerShootsRightAge30Previous contract1 year, $4,300,000 AAV2025-26 stats52 GP, 13 G, 25 PTS, 14:55 ATOIA high-end skater who has shown a knack for finding loose pucks around the net, Kuzmenko has battled through inconsistency at times while bouncing around the league. While he’s never come close to replicating the 39-goal, 74-point season he had with the Vancouver Canucks in 2022-23, he should still be viewed as a capable depth scorer.Contract projection2 years, $4,006,400 AAVNet ratingUnsignedWingerForwardTeam at end of 2025-26Seattle KrakenPositionWingerShootsLeftAge27Previous contract2 years, $3,475,000 AAV2025-26 stats78 GP, 12 G, 36 PTS, 16:03 ATOIA shifty forward with good hands and a dangerous shot, Tolvanen is an offensive weapon. He’s not overly big, but he has the ability to play both wings and contribute to a power play. He’s averaged 20 goals per 82 games played across his past four seasons with the Kraken.Contract projection2 years, $3,666,866 AAVNet ratingUnsignedWingerForwardTeam at end of 2025-26Buffalo SabresPositionDefensemanShootsLeftAge28Previous contract2 years, $1,250,000 AAV2025-26 stats76 GP, 9 G, 26 PTS, 16:42 ATOIAn unexpected goal-scoring binge arrived in Stanley’s contract year. His nine goals were more than his previous five NHL seasons combined. He’s more known for the stout physical play you’d expect from a 6-foot-7 defenseman. Unafraid to drop his gloves to defend teammates, and with a reach that’s basically unmatched across the league, Stanley is in position to cash in this summer with a contract that could be worth $25 million or more.Contract projection2 years, $2,950,133 AAVNet ratingUnsignedDefensemanLeft-shot defensemanTeam at end of 2025-26Edmonton OilersPositionDefensemanShootsRightAge33Previous contract4 years, $4,400,000 AAV2025-26 stats80 GP, 5 G, 17 PTS, 17:32 ATOIBig, strong and experienced, Murphy was a good fit in Edmonton to finish the season after posting strong defensive results under less-than-favorable conditions with the Chicago Blackhawks in recent years. The right shot can handle difficult matchups and help close out a tight game. He skates well for a man of his stature.Contract projection2 years, $3,610,100 AAVNet ratingUnsignedDefensemanRight-shot defensemanTeam at end of 2025-26Chicago BlackhawksPositionWingerShootsLeftAge31Previous contract4 years, $4,750,000 AAV2025-26 stats77 GP, 18 G, 36 PTS, 17:26 ATOIA big winger capable of playing up and down the lineup, Mikheyev brings a fair amount of versatility. He’s been deployed as a penalty-killer throughout his NHL career and is a threat to score short-handed. There have been discussions with Chicago on an extension, but they haven’t produced much traction.Contract projection3 years, $3,456,960 AAVNet ratingUnsignedWingerForwardTeam at end of 2025-26Detroit Red WingsPositionWingerShootsLeftAge37Previous contract1 year, $7,000,000 AAV2025-26 stats67 GP, 16 G, 57 PTS, 17:42 ATOIKane has made a late-career home in Detroit following hip resurfacing surgery and remains an offensive threat. He still has elite hands in tight spaces and good hockey sense, making him a dangerous playmaker. While his goal-scoring rate has declined with age, he profiles as a good complement to high-end offensive teammates. Kane is a highly competitive player and would no doubt love to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2023.Contract projection1 year, $3,265,600 AAVNet ratingUnsignedWingerForwardTeam at end of 2025-26Minnesota WildPositionWingerShootsLeftAge34Previous contract2 years, $4,750,000 AAV2025-26 stats75 GP, 23 G, 47 PTS, 14:56 ATOIFresh off a season in which he turned back the clock, scoring 23 goals, Tarasenko is likely taking his lethal shot back to the open market. Even with his best days behind him, the Russian winger is still effective at winning puck battles and providing secondary scoring. Built like a tank, he’s strong along the wall and can fight through traffic. He’s also been known to mentor younger teammates.Contract projection1 year, $3,390,400 AAVNet ratingUnsignedWingerForwardTeam at end of 2025-26Montreal CanadiensPositionWingerShootsRightAge28Previous contract4 years, $8,700,000 AAV2025-26 stats5 GP, 0 G, 1 PT, 12:36 ATOIWhat a team can expect from Laine at this point is anyone’s guess. However, because he was limited to just five games last season in Montreal after core muscle surgery, he’s eligible to receive a bonus-laden, one-year contract that mitigates the risk for a signing team. Laine did manage to score 20 goals for the Canadiens in 2024-25, which suggests he can still do what he does best, so expect the Finn to find a fresh opportunity.Contract projection1 year, $850,000 AAVNet ratingUnsignedWingerForwardTeam at end of 2025-26Utah MammothPositionCenterShootsLeftAge31Previous contract1 year, $3,000,000 AAV2025-26 stats34 GP, 7 G, 13 PTS, 12:47 ATOIA player known for his hockey IQ, Kerfoot’s biggest strength over the years has been his versatility. He can play center or wing, and he handles himself in the faceoff dot, while also being a playmaking threat. While he’s far from the biggest or strongest player, his mind is a separator that should allow him to remain consistent as he ages.Contract projection3 years, $3,360,355 AAVNet ratingUnsignedCenterWingerForwardTeam at end of 2025-26Ottawa SenatorsPositionDefensemanShootsRightAge35Previous contract3 years, $4,050,000 AAV2025-26 stats61 GP, 4 G, 17 PTS, 17:01 ATOIJensen is a veteran puck-mover who can comfortably handle third-pair duty and battled his way back from hip surgery last summer. He isn’t overly physical and is a modest offensive contributor, but he produced steady underlying numbers for Ottawa while starting less than half of his shifts in the offensive zone last season. Plus he’s a right-shot defenseman, which is always in demand.Contract projection2 years, $3,316,213 AAVNet ratingUnsignedDefensemanRight-shot defensemanTeam at end of 2025-26Nashville PredatorsPositionCenterShootsLeftAge35Previous contract3 years, $3,150,000 AAV2025-26 stats81 GP, 14 G, 38 PTS, 16:40 ATOIThe veteran center is coming off a rejuvenated season that saw him put up 38 points for the Predators and deliver a strong showing for Finland at the Milan Cortina Olympics. Haula has tremendous speed and penalty killing chops, and he can chip in a bit offensively.Contract projection1 year, $3,315,000 AAVNet ratingUnsignedCenterWingerForwardTeam at end of 2025-26Detroit Red WingsPositionWingerShootsRightAge38Previous contract2 years, $4,000,000 AAV2025-26 stats65 GP, 13 G, 28 PTS, 13:34 ATOIHe’s remained productive deep into his 30s and should be appealing for any team in search of experience and little more scoring touch. Perron is a dual threat as a magnificent passer and also a player who can beat goaltenders with his shot. The fact that he has 110 games of experience in the playoffs, plus a Stanley Cup ring with St. Louis from 2019, is a nice bonus, too.Contract projection1 year, $3,265,600 AAVNet ratingUnsignedWingerForwardTeam at end of 2025-26Edmonton OilersPositionWingerShootsRightAge29Previous contract1 year, $1,300,000 AAV2025-26 stats41 GP, 8 G, 17 PTS, 14:35 ATOIKapanen salvaged a difficult season with a strong playoff showing for the Oilers this spring, scoring four goals in six games. That only bolstered his reputation as a player that you can count on when the games get most important. Kapanen remains an elite skater who can disrupt a defense with his speed and create gaps to strike.Contract projection3 years, $3,109,600 AAVNet ratingUnsignedWingerForwardTeam at end of 2025-26Edmonton OilersPositionGoalieAge29Previous contract3 years, $1,950,000 AAV2025-26 stats32 GP, 16-10-3, .899 SV%Ingram took over the starter’s job in Edmonton down the stretch of last season and helped the Oilers qualify for the playoffs. He’s a battler in the crease — both during games and throughout a career in which he’s had to work his way back from the minors on multiple occasions. Ingram has been open about his struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder but seems to have found a formula that allows him to be at his best.Contract projection2 years, $2,997,800 AAVAdvanced metricsUnsignedGoalieTeam at end of 2025-26Detroit Red WingsPositionGoalieAge38Previous contract2 years, $2,500,000 AAV2025-26 stats34 GP, 12-9-6, .883 SV%Ideally suited to be a backup goaltender at this stage of his career, Talbot brings a steady temperament and 567 games of experience. He’s got good size and isn’t overly flashy but carries intangibles as a potential mentor for a younger partner in the crease.Contract projection1 year, $1,771,900 AAVAdvanced metricsUnsignedGoalieTeam at end of 2025-26Seattle KrakenPositionDefensemanShootsLeftAge33Previous contract5 years, $4,600,000 AAV2025-26 stats78 GP, 5 G, 16 PTS, 16:56 ATOIOne of the largest men in the league at 6-foot-7 and nearly 260 pounds, Oleksiak represents the kind of depth every team needs. He has seen his usage decline the past couple of seasons in Seattle but remains capable of taking a regular five-on-five shift and chipping in on the penalty kill. He is also comfortable playing both sides of the ice.Contract projection2 years, $2,958,800 AAVNet ratingUnsignedDefensemanLeft-shot defensemanTeam at end of 2025-26Florida PanthersPositionWingerShootsLeftAge29Previous contract2 years, $850,000 AAV2025-26 stats78 GP, 17 G, 32 PTS, 12:26 ATOIA depth winger with plenty of size, Greer established career bests this past season with 17 goals and 32 points. He is a good skater who plays with an edge and carries some added shine after lifting the Stanley Cup in Florida last June.Contract projection3 years, $2,794,886 AAVNet ratingUnsignedWingerForwardTeam at end of 2025-26Vancouver CanucksPositionCenterShootsLeftAge31Previous contract2 years, $1,800,000 AAV2025-26 stats35 GP, 9 G, 17 PTS, 16:31 ATOIBlueger was a bright spot in an otherwise dreary season in Vancouver, returning from a lengthy lower-body injury to provide a strong rate of secondary scoring. While he’s more typically known for his speed and ability to take care of his own end as a defensive-minded center, the offensive uptick won’t hurt his value. Neither will the fact that Blueger won a Stanley Cup with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023.Contract projection3 years, $2,703,133 AAVNet ratingUnsignedCenterWingerForwardTeam at end of 2025-26Tampa Bay LightningPositionWingerShootsRightAge31Previous contract5 years, $5,400,000 AAV2025-26 stats80 GP, 12 G, 32 PTS, 13:38 ATOIA strong forechecker with decent offensive instincts, Bjorkstrand is a reliable bottom-six winger. The fit didn’t work out in Tampa as well as everyone was hoping, but he’s just two seasons removed from a 20-goal, 59-point campaign for the Seattle Kraken.Contract projection2 years, $2,834,742 AAVNet ratingUnsignedWingerForwardTeam at end of 2025-26Utah MammothPositionWingerShootsLeftAge30Previous contract2 years, $1,750,000 AAV2025-26 stats79 GP, 16 G, 31 PTS, 12:44 ATOISmall and skilled, Carcone’s goal totals from the past three seasons tell the story of his career: 21, 7, 16. You can’t be sure exactly what you’re going to get here. Still, he’s an interesting buy-low candidate for teams in search of added offensive depth.Contract projectionNot availableNet ratingUnsignedWingerForwardTeam at end of 2025-26Anaheim DucksPositionDefensemanShootsRightAge36Previous contract3 years, $4,000,000 AAV2025-26 stats56 GP, 2 G, 13 PTS, 16:11 ATOIA man they call the “Butcher” is known for making opponents uncomfortable. He finishes checks, wins battles along the wall and imposes himself physically. At his best, Gudas is an effective third-pairing defender who makes the other team earn every piece of ice. He’s also a consummate pro and valued teammate who most recently served as captain of the Anaheim Ducks.Contract projection1 year, $2,064,400 AAVNet ratingUnsignedDefensemanRight-shot defensemanTeam at end of 2025-26Tampa Bay LightningPositionWingerShootsRightAge41Previous contract1 year, $4,000,000 AAV2025-26 stats72 GP, 17 G, 37 PTS, 13:40 ATOIPerry is fond of saying that he’s going to keep playing until they have to cut off his skates. Top teams continue to show interest in his services. His intuitive understanding of what a group needs and willingness to do anything to win is arguably more valuable than the fact that he’s still got a nice touch around the net. Perry is equal parts emotion, edge and awareness. There’s no one else quite like him in the game.Contract projection1 year, $2,173,600 AAVNet ratingUnsignedWingerForwardTeam at end of 2025-26Washington CapitalsPositionCenterShootsLeftAge31Previous contract1 year, $1,100,000 AAV2025-26 stats40 GP, 2 G, 6 PTS, 14:44 ATOIComing off a forgettable season that took him from the Toronto Maple Leafs to the Vancouver Canucks to the Capitals, with a stop at the Milan Cortina Olympics mixed in for good measure, Kämpf should still find another opportunity as a fourth-line center. He’s a low-maintenance player who kills penalties, wins faceoffs and consistently remains on the safe side of the puck. Neither team tends to get much done offensively during his minutes.Contract projection2 years, $1,650,000 AAVNet ratingUnsignedCenterWingerForwardTeam at end of 2025-26Washington CapitalsPositionWingerShootsRightAge40Previous contract5 years, $9,500,000 AAV2025-26 stats82 GP, 32 G, 64 PTS, 17:27 ATOIAll indications are that Ovechkin is deciding between two potential outcomes: Either he signs a one-year extension with the Capitals or he ends his NHL career. However, if he hits the open market there’s nothing stopping a rival team from trying to give him a third option to at least think about. And while it’s fair to wonder how much gas is left in the tank for the NHL’s all-time leading goal-scorer, he did add 32 more of those to his total last season. As difficult as it is to imagine Ovechkin in another sweater, you just never know.Contract projection1 year, $9,169,333 AAVNet ratingUnsignedWingerForward