The world of professional hockey player movement is a constant subject of fascination and, dare we say, rampant speculation. Nowhere is this more evident than the annual rush towards unrestricted free agency (UFA) on July 1. While the recent 2025 market may not have delivered the fireworks some anticipated – largely due to key players re-signing or navigating alternative routes like sign-and-trades – it serves as a stark reminder of hockey`s inherent unpredictability.
Now, with the dust barely settled on the current cycle, attention inevitably begins to drift towards the horizon. Specifically, the potential class of 2026 UFAs. Projecting player movement a full year in advance is akin to forecasting the path of a Zamboni on fresh ice – there are countless variables that can alter the trajectory at any moment. Extensions happen, trades materialize, and career paths diverge unexpectedly.
However, this inherent uncertainty is precisely what makes the exercise engaging. We know, for instance, that the true titans of the game – names like McDavid, Eichel, Kaprizov, or Connor – very rarely reach the open market. While Artemi Panarin serves as a notable exception from 2019, such instances are few and far between, and often preceded by clear signals.
Similarly, a distinct category exists among the league`s aging legends. Players entering their late 30s or early 40s, having spent careers with a single franchise, are overwhelmingly likely to either retire or conclude their playing days with that same team, perhaps on a more team-friendly agreement. Icons such as Alex Ovechkin, Evgeni Malkin (potentially nearing the end of his tenure), Anze Kopitar, and John Carlson fit this mold, as do respected captains like Adam Lowry and Boone Jenner. Even highly capable veterans like Mattias Ekholm or Jacob Markstrom, while having played for multiple teams, appear settled in roles chasing championships.
So, if the league`s biggest stars are fixtures and its aging veterans are likely staying put, where does the significant UFA money typically flow? It lands on players who, for various strategic reasons, find themselves poised to test the open market`s waters. These are the players whose current situations, age profile, and skill sets align to make them prime candidates for a change of scenery or a major payday.
Based on the current landscape and factoring in the acknowledged volatility, a few names for the 2026 UFA class emerge as particularly intriguing. These are players whose circumstances make reaching July 1, 2026, as an unrestricted free agent seem, perhaps, slightly more probable than most others of their caliber.
Potential 2026 UFA Candidates to Watch
Rasmus Andersson, Defenseman, Calgary Flames
If there`s one player whose future seems most in flux among potential 2026 UFAs, it might be Rasmus Andersson. The veteran Flames blueliner is reportedly a prominent name on current trade rumour boards. A trade this offseason or early in the season could easily result in an extension with his new club, nullifying his pending UFA status. However, should a trade occur closer to the 2026 deadline, Andersson could easily serve as a highly impactful rental for a contender before becoming one of the most sought-after right-shot defensemen available on the open market. Teams in need of a puck-moving presence on the back end would undoubtedly form a queue for his services.
Martin Necas, Right Wing, Colorado Avalanche
A fascinating case study. The Avalanche acquired Necas in a move that surprisingly saw them trade Mikko Rantanen in the final year of *his* contract – a rare occurrence for a top-tier player. Necas subsequently signed a two-year deal as a restricted free agent, which is set to expire just before the 2026 UFA period. It is widely believed that Necas structured his contract with the explicit goal of reaching unrestricted free agency. A dynamic, six-foot-three winger who will still be in his mid-twenties by July 2026 is an incredibly attractive commodity. If Colorado cannot secure his long-term future beforehand, Necas is poised to command significant attention and potential offers on the open market.
Alex Tuch, Right Wing, Buffalo Sabres
Fresh off witnessing the Florida Panthers` success built on a foundation of skilled, hard-to-play-against forwards, the profile of a player like Alex Tuch becomes particularly appealing. With his substantial six-foot-four, 220-pound frame and proven scoring touch, Tuch embodies the “missing piece” archetype for many teams aiming for deep playoff runs. Power forwards who can produce consistently are invaluable assets. If he were to become available, Tuch would be a prime target for clubs looking to add size, skill, and scoring depth to their top-six forward group.
As mentioned repeatedly, the road to July 1, 2026, is long and filled with potential detours. Player performance, team cap situations, and management decisions will all play pivotal roles. Yet, as the guessing game begins, keeping an eye on players like Andersson, Necas, and Tuch provides an early look at some of the compelling scenarios that could unfold and shape the NHL landscape next summer.
