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The 2026 UFA class projects to be a dry one
As the NHL playoffs continue, the offseason nears as teams around the league will look to load up over the summer in the hopes of improving next season.
Compared to past seasons, this 2026 free agent class projects to be a drier one than most with lesser options available. With that said, there are still some big names in regards to UFA’s (Unrestricted Free Agent’s) to keep on eye on if they hit the open market.
In terms of forwards, Alex Tuch is the top option present at the moment. He has been a valuable top-six piece with the Buffalo Sabres since he joined the organization in 2021 as the main returning piece of the Jack Eichel trade. Tuch amassed 33 goals and 33 assists for 66 points in 79 regular season games this year. He has been effective in the playoffs as well with four goals and three assists in eight games thus far.
There is a good chance Tuch resigns in Buffalo considering how strong of a fit he has been with the squad. If he does decide to hit the open market, he could command a rich contract based on the lack of elite forwards available.
Darren Raddysh is arguably the top defenseman on the UFA market. He has enjoyed a breakout season with the Tampa Bay Lightning this season, amassing a staggering 22 goals and 48 assists for 70 points in 73 games on the backend. He also recorded one goal and one assist in seven postseason games.
Raddysh has proven himself as a core piece for Tampa, especially with the way he has been able to step up his game with franchise legend Victor Hedman dealing with injuries this past season. The team would be inclined to bring him back, but Raddysh could receive a hefty payday in free agency if he opts to test the market.
Rasmus Andersson is another solid defensive player potentially on the cards this summer. He split time between the Calgary Flames and Vegas Golden Knights this past year, recording 17 goals and 30 assists for 47 points in 81 games. In the playoffs, he has registered one assist in nine games so far.
Andersson is a reliable top pair d-man who can munch minutes and play in any situation. As a player who can contribute on both ends of the ice, he will be a sought after commodity by many teams if Vegas cannot resign him.
John Carlson has enjoyed a long productive career as one of the best defensemen in the league. After 17 years spent with the Washington Capitals, Carlson was dealt to the Anaheim Ducks over the 2026 trade deadline. He totaled 14 goals and 46 assists for 60 points in 71 games. In the playoffs, he has tallied six assists in nine games.
While his best days are behind him, the 36-year old can still put up impressive numbers from the blueline. For teams looking for a veteran defenseman that can quarterback the power play, Carlson would be a viable option if Anaheim cannot retain his services.
Sergei Bobrovsky has made his mark as one of the most elite goaltenders in the modern NHL. The two-time Vezina winner has been a tremendous fit with the Florida Panthers, winning Stanley Cups with the organization in 2024 and 2025. Bobrovsky put up a 27-23-1 record this season.
The 37-year old netminder only has so much time left in the game. If he decides to leave Florida and embark on a new challenge, his next team could be his last with retirement looming.
Justin Lynch Justin Lynch is a Heavy Sports writer who specializes in NHL coverage. He is also a Chicago Blackhawks contributing writer for FanSided after having previously written for The Sporting News. After spending a year working with Chicago Hockey Radio, he now covers Blackhawks/NHL content on his own personnel YouTube channel and across various social media platforms. Justin has consumed the sport of hockey his whole life; it is his number one passion. More about Justin Lynch
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