The dust has barely settled on the 2025 NHL free agency period – which, let`s be honest, saw many high-profile players re-sign or move via trade before ever hitting the open market – and the hockey world is already turning its gaze towards the distant horizon: July 1, 2026. Predicting who will actually become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) a full year in advance is akin to fortune-telling with slightly fewer crystal balls and significantly more salary cap spreadsheets. A great deal can, and invariably will, change.
Contracts are extended, unexpected trades happen, and sometimes players simply decide their current situation is the best fit. The true mega-watt superstars – the Connors McDavid, Jack Eichels, or Kirill Kaprizovs of the league – are exceedingly rare birds to see actually fly free. Teams typically lock them up long before their deals expire, making the dramatic unrestricted free agency walk to the podium a fleeting fantasy for most fanbases hoping for a seismic shift.
We also see the potential for veteran legends to conclude their storied careers upon contract expiry. Players like Alex Ovechkin or Evgeni Malkin, reaching their late 30s or early 40s by the summer of 2026, are more likely candidates for retirement or a final, legacy-defining deal with their longtime clubs in Washington or Pittsburgh, rather than seeking greener pastures on the open market. Similarly, fiercely loyal veterans embedded with their teams, such as Anze Kopitar or John Carlson, are difficult to envision in any other uniform.
Yet, despite the high probability of many prominent names staying put, the allure of July 1 persists because *some* significant players always become available. These are often impact players, perhaps not the absolute top tier, but individuals who can dramatically alter a team`s fortunes. Based on current contract situations and team dynamics, here are a few intriguing players who, against the odds for many of their peers, seem at least slightly more poised to potentially test the UFA waters a year from now. Keep in mind, even for this group, circumstances could change tomorrow, let alone over the next 12 months.
Potential Intriguing UFAs for 2026
Rasmus Andersson, Defenseman, Calgary Flames: Andersson stands out as one of the players most likely to be on the move, potentially even before July 1, 2026, arrives. As a key defenseman entering the final year of his contract with a Calgary team in transition, his name has been a constant presence on trade speculation lists. A trade this summer or near the 2026 trade deadline is a real possibility. If he is moved as a rental player closer to the deadline, it significantly increases the chances he would then hit the open market. A skilled, right-shot defenseman capable of moving the puck would immediately become a highly sought-after commodity, with teams lining up to bid for his services.
Martin Necas, Right Wing, Colorado Avalanche: The hockey world saw the Colorado Avalanche make a surprising move last season, trading Mikko Rantanen in his contract year. The return included Martin Necas, who subsequently signed a two-year deal as a restricted free agent, strategically positioning himself for UFA status in 2026. Necas appears keen to experience unrestricted free agency, and if the Avalanche cannot work out a long-term extension, the six-foot-three forward with scoring ability will be an immensely attractive option on the open market. At 26 years old entering his UFA year, he represents a prime age for teams looking to add offensive punch.
Alex Tuch, Right Wing, Buffalo Sabres: Fresh off observing the Florida Panthers` successful formula of combining skill with difficult-to-play-against physicality, players like Alex Tuch become even more appealing. With his six-foot-four, 220-pound frame and proven scoring touch, Tuch embodies the kind of power forward who can be a difference-maker, particularly in the playoffs. Should he reach unrestricted free agency, he would undoubtedly be viewed by many contending teams as a potential “missing piece,” capable of adding both scoring and a physical dimension that can wear down opponents.
While the names at the very pinnacle of the league are likely to be tied up long-term by their current clubs, the 2026 free agency period, as always, promises intrigue below the absolute top tier. Whether through trades or simply seeing out their contracts, players like Andersson, Necas, Tuch, and others yet unknown will present opportunities for teams looking to spend and improve. The road to July 1, 2026, is long and full of potential detours, but the speculation is already a key part of the NHL`s never-ending calendar.
Tristan Blackwood