Top UFAs and RFAs still available

On July 1, 2026, NHL teams entered the free agency market as the salary cap increased from $95.5 million to $104 million for the 2026-27 season. Despite a flurry of contracts being signed on the first day, notable unrestricted free agents still remain.

As of July 18, 2026, 272 contracts have been signed, totaling $1,500,451,555 according to PuckPedia. Among the top remaining unrestricted free agents, Patrick Kane, age 37, is a right winger with a cap hit of $3 million, having played 67 games last season, scoring 16 goals and 41 assists for a total of 57 points.

Patrik Laine, also a right winger, aged 28, has a cap hit of $8.7 million but played only 5 games last season, registering 1 assist. Other notable players include Vladimir Tarasenko, 34, with a cap hit of $4.75 million, scoring 23 goals and 24 assists last season, and Michael Bunting, 30, with a cap hit of $4.5 million, achieving 14 goals and 19 assists.

Eeli Tolvanen, 27, has a cap hit of $3.475 million and recorded 12 goals and 14 assists in 78 games. Goaltender Cam Talbot, age 38, is available with a cap hit of $2.5 million, having played 34 games with a GAA of 3.19.

The report also highlights several players on the bubble, including Calle Jarnkrok, Jesse Puljujarvi, and Reilly Smith, indicating ongoing interest from teams seeking to enhance their rosters as the season approaches.

This situation could significantly affect the competitive landscape of the league.