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When is NHL free agency? Opening date and top free agents

News RoomBy No Comments10 Mins Read
When is NHL free agency? Opening date and top free agents

The 2025-26 NHL season is over with the Carolina Hurricanes defeating the Vegas Golden Knights for the Stanley Cup championship.

Now, general managers are focusing on getting their teams in shape for next season.

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First up is the NHL draft on June 26-27 in Buffalo, where the Toronto Maple Leafs are on the clock with the No. 1 overall pick after winning the draft lottery.

Then comes free agency, which opens on July 1.

This year’s once-spectacular crop of free agents has been whittled down with Connor McDavid, Kirill Kaprizov, Jack Eichel, Artemi Panarin, Adrian Kempe, Kyle Connor, Evgeni Malkin and others signing extensions.

But there are intriguing names left on the board. Here’s what to know about NHL free agency:

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NHL awards winners: Vote totals for 2025-26 regular season awards

The NHL has announced the winners for the Hart Trophy and the other major awards. Here’s who won plus vote totals:

(Ethan Miller, Getty Images)

When does NHL free agency open?

The free agent market opens at noon ET on July 1.

Who are the top NHL unrestricted free agents?

10. Anders Lee, New York Islanders

He has been the Islanders’ captain since 2018 and is good for 20-plus goals, though he had 19 in 2025-26. Current cap hit: $7 million.

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9. Mason Marchment, Columbus Blue Jackets

He struggled with the Seattle Kraken after his offseason trade, but his trade to Columbus revived his season with 32 points in 39 games. He’s also an agitator. Current cap hit: $4.5 million.

8. Anthony Mantha, Pittsburgh Penguins

He’s the third-highest-scoring player on the free agent list with 64 points after he signed a one-year deal with Pittsburgh. Will a general manager be tempted to think he can do that again or look at his subpar production before that? Current cap hit: $2.5 million.

7. Viktor Arvidsson, Boston Bruins

The forward bounced back from a couple subpar seasons and had 25 goals and 54 points after being traded to Boston. Current cap hit: $4 million.

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6. Sergei Bobrovsky, Florida Panthers

The goalie won back-to-back Stanley Cup titles and two Vezina Trophies. He’ll be 38 next season. Current cap hit: $10 million.

5. Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals

The NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer is expected to either re-sign with the Capitals or retire. Otherwise, he’d be higher on the list. He scored 32 goals at age 40. Current cap hit: $9.5 million.

4. John Carlson, Anaheim Ducks

Carlson, the Capitals’ all-time leader in scoring among defensemen, was traded to the Ducks in a shocker. He totaled 60 points in 71 games. Current cap hit: $8 million.

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3. Rasmus Andersson, Vegas Golden Knights

The defenseman was traded to the Golden Knights this season by the Flames. He can provide offense with one 50-point season and others topping 40 points, including 47 points in 2025-26. He had an average playoffs. Current cap hit: $4.55 million.

2. Darren Raddysh, Tampa Bay Lightning

The defenseman had a breakout season with 22 goals and 70 points and filled in well while Victor Hedman was out with injuries and personal leave. His top season before that was 37 points. Current cap hit: $975,000.

1. Alex Tuch, Buffalo Sabres

The forward can score (two 36-goal seasons) and also kills penalties. He had 33 goals this season as the Sabres ended a 14-season playoff drought. After scoring four goals in the first round, he was held without a point in the second round as the Sabres lost in seven games. Current cap hit: $4.75 million.

Others to watch: Patrick Kane, Frederik Andersen, Mats Zuccarello, Brent Burns, Bobby McMann.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NHL free agency opening date and top free agents

Read the full article here

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