The group of right-handed pending UFA defensemen is shaping up to be better than the group of left-handed UFA Dmen, led by Darren Raddysh. Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Darren Raddysh (43) checks Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Emil Andrae (36) during the first period at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

2026 NHL Free Agents – Unrestricted Right-Handed Defenseman

Originally posted on NHL Rumors | By Mark Easson | Last updated Feb 24, 2026 5:12 PM ET

Yesterday we took a look at the pending UFA left-handed defensemen, and today, we take a look at the right-handed defensemen that could hit the open market on July 1st.

This group is shaping up to be a little better than the left-shot class and is led by Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Darren Raddysh, who is trending towards a point-a-game season. The absence of Victor Hedman has increased his ice-time and power-play time, so it will be interesting how that plays out over the course of the rest of the season.

Rasmus Andersson is another interesting name to keep an eye on. Many expect that he’ll extend with the Vegas Golden Knights, but it things don’t go as smoothly as both sides hope, maybe he hits the open market.

John Carlson isn’t sure yet if he’s going to play next season, and if he does, there is a good chance he finishes his career in Washington. Brent Burns is another retirement candidate.

This article first appeared on NHL Rumors and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: