2026 NHL free agency: Top targets, biggest risks and best values

The NHL free agency signing period officially begins on Wednesday, and it is not an overly impressive group of players hitting the unrestricted market. There are no superstars, no clear top-line players and no real slam-dunk options in the prime of their careers that look to be major difference-makers.

That is not necessarily a new development.

Teams tend to keep their star players for as long as possible, and if a player gets to the open market, it's usually because they have some sort of flaw. But even the past few years have seen some All-Star-level talents hit the market, including Mitch Marner and Nikolaj Ehlers a year ago.

There's nobody like that here this summer. Especially after Alex Tuch (Washington Capitals) and Darren Raddysh (Toronto Maple Leafs had their free agents traded to teams that already signed them. 

So let's take a quick look at the top targets, the biggest risks and the best potential values.

Top 2026 NHL free-agent targets

1. John Carlson (defense): His potential availability is entirely based on the Carolina Hurricanes not signing him after his rights were traded there this weekend. Carlson is 36, but is still a big-time producer and power-play quarterback. He would be a strong fit for a contender if the Hurricanes do not sign him. 
2. Rasmus Andersson (defense): After being traded to the Vegas Golden Knights this past season, Andersson is set to reach the open market. He is coming off a big year offensively, but has seen his defensive play and possession-driving ability slow down a bit in recent years—still a good top-four defender, but not somebody who will be the go-to-guy on your defense.
3. Mats Zuccarello (forward): He is one of the older UFA's at 39 years old, and injuries have limited him a bit the past few years, but he still scores at a top-line rate when he's healthy. Give him a one-year deal and you're probably not going to be disappointed in what you get offensively. 
4. Anders Lee (forward): He will be 36 when the season begins, but is still a good net-front presence that can chip in 25-or-so garbage/dirty goals. His age might actually result in a team-friendly term that isn't overly risky long-term.
5. Viktor Arvidsson (forward): He's not the biggest winger, but he brings speed and forechecking and has been a consistent 20-25 goal-scorer throughout his career, including this past season with the Boston Bruins. 

Biggest 2026 NHL free-agency risks

1. Sergei Bobrovsky (goalie): A 37-year-old goalie with the mileage that Bobrovsky has logged is already a red flag. The fact that he is coming off one of the worst seasons of his career only adds another red flag to the list. 
2. Anthony Mantha (forward): Mantha had a career year with the Pittsburgh Penguins, topping the 30-goal mark for the first time. Always beware of the player in their early 30s who has a career year in a contract year. His playoff showings throughout his career (including this past season) are also a potential issue. 
3. Mario Ferraro (defense): Ferraro could be a useful defender in a limited role with a decent contract. But he's the type of defender that is likely to get too much money, for too many years, and leave the signing team with a case of buyer's remorse very, very quickly.

Best 2026 NHL free-agency potential values

1. Patrik Laine (forward): Injuries have ruined the bulk of his career, but he is still only 28 years old and still scores at a 30-goal pace per 82 games when he is on the ice. He is eligible for an incentive-laden contract, and a smart team might get some great value on a roll of the dice. 
2. Andrei Kuzmenko (forward): He is never going to rediscover the finishing touch he had in his rookie season when he scored 39 goals, but his skating and skill could make him a solid depth scoring option without breaking the bank. 
3. Stuart Skinner (goalie): You shouldn't want him to be your No. 1 goalie, because he can run very hot and very cold. But as a platoon option on a cheap deal? You can compete with him.