The 2025 NHL free agency period lacked the excitement many anticipated, failing to deliver major player turnover. Several prominent players opted to stay with their existing teams, leaving the market quieter than usual. This subdued activity sets the stage for significant anticipation around the 2026 free agency season, which could involve the NHL’s biggest player moves in years, centering on Connor McDavid 2026 free agency.
Among the unexpected developments, the Florida Panthers secured re-signings for key players including Sam Bennett, Brad Marchand, and Aaron Ekblad, defying expectations of substantial roster shifts. Similarly, veteran John Tavares signed a team-friendly extension to remain with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Matt Duchene and Brock Nelson also chose to stay with the Dallas Stars and Maple Leafs respectively. Even Brock Boeser, initially entering the market, ultimately re-signed with the Vancouver Canucks. Mitch Marner, a major name, was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights and promptly agreed to a long-term deal before free agency began.
Why 2026 Could Be a Game-Changer for NHL Player Movement
Despite a slow 2025 market, the upcoming 2026 offseason holds pronounced potential. Many elite NHL stars will become unrestricted free agents, promising the possibility of one of the league’s most impactful free agency periods. The discussions around Connor McDavid 2026 free agency highlight the immense interest in how these players’ futures will unfold.
Among the superstars reaching contract deadlines after the 2025–26 season are Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers, Jack Eichel with the Vegas Golden Knights, and Minnesota Wild’s Kirill Kaprizov. These names alone generate considerable attention, but they represent only a fraction of the players whose statuses could reshape the NHL landscape.
Notable Players Approaching Free Agency in 2026
Key players heading into 2026 free agency include:
• Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers, $12.5 million cap hit)
• Artemi Panarin (New York Rangers, $11.64 million)
• Sergei Bobrovsky (Florida Panthers, $10 million)
• Jack Eichel (Vegas Golden Knights, $10 million)
• Alex Ovechkin (Washington Capitals, $9.5 million)
• Kirill Kaprizov (Minnesota Wild, $9 million)
• Cale Makar (Colorado Avalanche, $9 million)
• Anze Kopitar (Los Angeles Kings, $7 million)
• Adrian Kempe (Los Angeles Kings, $5.5 million)
Factors Influencing Decisions for Top Players
Edmonton Oilers’ Connor McDavid faces critical questions after two consecutive Stanley Cup Final losses. The team’s struggles with depth scoring and goaltending persist, prompting speculation about whether the Oilers can assemble a lineup capable of helping McDavid and Leon Draisaitl finally secure a championship. Meanwhile, Kirill Kaprizov’s future with the Minnesota Wild remains under scrutiny, as the franchise has yet to win a playoff series with him on the roster. Kaprizov’s tenure may depend on Minnesota’s commitment to acquiring talent, such as a star center, to elevate the team’s overall competitiveness.
Jack Eichel’s situation appears more stable given the Golden Knights’ ongoing status as a consistent Stanley Cup contender. With recent high-profile signings like Mitch Marner, Vegas projects stability that may convince Eichel to remain. Meanwhile, Sergei Bobrovsky represents a valuable option for goaltender-starved teams seeking playoff-tested experience.
In Washington, Alex Ovechkin’s future is less certain as retirement could be on the horizon, but another Cup run remains a strong motivator if the Capitals fall short in 2025. For the Los Angeles Kings, recent team performance casts doubt on their trajectory, which could influence players like Adrian Kempe to explore opportunities elsewhere.
Additional Free Agent Dynamics to Watch
The 2026 class also includes restricted free agents such as Jason Robertson and Martin Necas, who will command significant salaries and have considerable influence over their destinations. Their negotiations further complicate the offseason’s potential for wide-reaching roster changes across the league.
After a quiet 2025, hockey fans are eagerly awaiting the possibility that 2026 will deliver a dramatic surge in player movement, driven by the large number of high-profile contracts expiring. With just over a year remaining, the Connor McDavid 2026 free agency represents a potential tipping point for NHL roster transformations that could alter the competitive balance moving forward.