With the NHL’s salary cap projected to rise by $8.5 million dollars in 2026-27, general managers are ready to spend money on July 1, when the league’s free agent frenzy begins. 

The 2026 class of unrestricted free agents had the potential to be a star-studded group. However, some of the game’s best players such as Connor McDavid, Kirill Kaprizov, Martin Necas, and Jack Eichel signed contract extensions with their clubs, rather than test the waters as unrestricted free agents. 

Recently, we have seen pending UFA’s involved in sign and trade deals prior to July 1. This included Darren Raddysh joining the Toronto Maple Leafs via the Tampa Bay Lightning, and Alex Tuch who was shipped to the Washington Capitals courtesy of the Buffalo Sabres. 

While some prominent names are off the board, many serviceable players will be available. 

GMs have the potential to add impactful players via free agency, however the saying “buyer beware” comes to mind.

Often, GMs get overzealous when the calendar flips to July. It’s common for management teams to offer lucrative contracts when the player is beyond their best-before date. 

Regardless, the opening to free agency always provides an element of excitement to the NHL’s off season. 

The following is a list of players worth keeping a close eye on: 

Sergei Bobrovsky: The future Hockey Hall of Famer and two-time Stanley Cup winner with the Florida Panthers has the championship pedigree every GM covets. “Bob” is now a UFA after........

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