As the NHL offseason heats up, the spotlight is on the top unrestricted free agents ready to hit the open market come July 1. Let's break down the most intriguing players by position who could be wearing new jerseys next season.
Forwards
- Alex Ovechkin
- Position: LW Age: 40 Last team: Capitals 2025-26 cap hit: $9.5M
Alex Ovechkin, the iconic goal-scoring machine, is at a crossroads. While it seems unlikely he'll leave Washington, the possibility of retirement looms.
Yet, with 929 career goals, the allure of reaching the 1,000-goal milestone might just keep him on the ice for a bit longer. If he decides to continue, expect a multi-year contract to be on the table, making this summer a pivotal moment in his storied career.
- Anthony Mantha Anthony Mantha is coming off a career-best season, tallying 33 goals and 64 points. Known for his even-strength prowess, Mantha presents a valuable option for teams seeking a cost-effective middle-six forward who can deliver consistent production.
- Mats Zuccarello
- Position: LW Age: 38 Last team: Wild 2025-26 cap hit: $4.125M Mats Zuccarello's game has aged like fine wine. With 317 points in 345 games over the last five seasons, his ability to mesh with top-tier linemates remains strong. If the Wild can't retain him, expect a bidding war from teams eager for his offensive flair.
- Viktor Arvidsson After a challenging period in Edmonton, Viktor Arvidsson rebounded with his sixth 20-goal season, showcasing his speed and scoring touch. He's a solid pickup for any team looking for an affordable boost to their lineup.
- Patrick Kane Despite a challenging season with Detroit, Patrick Kane still has the magic touch, especially at even strength. With Detroit's future uncertain, Kane could find a new home with a contender eager to leverage his championship experience.
Defensemen
- Rasmus Andersson
- Position: RD Age: 29 Last team: Golden Knights 2025-26 cap hit: $4.55M Rasmus Andersson may not be a top-pair defenseman, but his ability to play significant minutes and contribute offensively makes him a hot commodity. As a right-shot defender, he's poised to draw substantial interest this offseason.
- John Carlson
- Position: RD Age: 36 Last team: Ducks 2025-26 cap hit: $8M Even after 17 seasons, John Carlson continues to be a force on the blue line, ranking 11th in points among defensemen last season. His ability to quarterback a power play and log extensive minutes ensures he'll be a sought-after veteran presence.
- Jacob Trouba Jacob Trouba's reputation as a hard-nosed, physical defender is well-earned. If he decides to move on from Orange County, expect teams to line up for his services, valuing his grit and reliability.
Goaltenders
- Sergei Bobrovsky Age: 37 Last team: Panthers 2025-26 cap hit: $10M Sergei Bobrovsky's time with the Panthers seems to be winding down, but the seasoned goalie isn't ready to retire just yet. Despite a tough season, his championship pedigree and experience make him an intriguing option for teams in need of a tandem netminder.
- Frederik Andersen Frederik Andersen proved he's still got it with a standout postseason performance. While prying him away from the Hurricanes might be tough, his desire to end his career on a high note could lead to new opportunities.
- Stuart Skinner Age: 27 Last team: Penguins 2025-26 cap hit: $2.6M Stuart Skinner's potential is undeniable, though consistency has been elusive. At 27, he's at a crucial juncture in his career. With his experience, Skinner should have no trouble finding a team willing to bet on his upside.
As July approaches, these free agents are set to make waves, potentially reshaping the landscape of the NHL with their next moves.
In Other News...
Ducks Still Have One Huge Blue Line Question Before Free Agency
The Ducks are still staring at a familiar problem on the blue line as free agency approaches, and the market for defensemen is only making the conversation more interesting. A recent look at the top pending UFA blueliners puts a spotlight on a group that could shape how several teams fill out their back ends, with names like Rasmus Andersson, John Carlson, Jacob Trouba, Mario Ferraro and Ryan Shea all drawing attention for different reasons.
For Anaheim, the bigger picture is less about who is available than what kind of move still makes sense after a summer of turnover and evaluation. Carlsons UFA rights already changed hands during the draft, Trouba has re-emerged as a relevant piece after his latest bounce-back, and Andersson sits near the top of the class as a player teams will monitor closely if he does not stay put. The Ducks do not need just another body on defense, they need the right answer, and the next few weeks could decide how aggressive they can afford to be. [Read more 🡒]
Ducks Just Made A Blue Line Move Fans Will Debate Hard
A blue-line swap ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft gave Anaheim another one of those moves fans will argue over for a while. The Ducks sent Olen Zellweger to Buffalo and, in return, added young center Anton Wahlberg plus the 45th overall pick, a package that fits the clubs habit of chasing future value while trying to keep the roster flexible.
Wahlberg arrived as a 2023 second-rounder who has not yet played in the NHL, and Anaheim already used that pick on Jayden Kurtz, a University of Wisconsin commit. Zellwegers situation adds another layer to the discussion, since he is slated to become a restricted free agent on July 1, leaving the Ducks with one more high-stakes decision to sort through as the offseason unfolds. [Read more 🡒]
One Year Later John Gibson Trade Still Haunts Ducks Rebuild Debate
A year after Anaheim dealt John Gibson, the trade still sits in that uneasy middle ground where neither side can declare victory and neither can quite move on. The Ducks got Petr Mrazek plus future draft capital in return, while Gibson landed in Detroit and immediately gave the Red Wings a steady presence in net during his first season there.
For Anaheim, the debate is less about what happened than what comes next. Mrazek was a short stop for the Ducks before being moved again, and the picks only matter if they turn into real help down the line. Until the second-round selection plays out and Gibsons Detroit future settles into a clearer shape, this one remains more of a wait-and-see evaluation than a clean rebuild win. [Read more 🡒]