2026 NHL Free Agency: Latest rumours and top players still available

NHL general managers spent $950 million and signed 166 contracts on the opening day of free agency.

And even after almost $1 billion in money was thrown around, there are some big names left on the free agent board.

Here are the top remaining UFAs after July 1.

Don’t forget to check out Sports Interaction’s complete list of NHL futures.

Anthony Mantha

Arguably no UFA’s stock rose higher with last year’s production than Anthony Mantha, whose 33 goals with Pittsburgh was more than his last three year’s of production combined.

However, injury and inconsistency issues scream buyer beware on the 31-year-old. Mantha will also be hard-pressed to replicate his 21.7 shooting percentage from last season, considering his career average is 13.8.

Patrick Kane

There’s still some game left in Patrick Kane as the 37-year-old future Hall-of-Famer racked up the most assists (41) last season of any remaining UFA.

While Toronto was originally rumoured to be a landing spot for Kane, there is talk the Buffalo native is reportedly working on a contract to join his hometown Sabres.

Logan Stanley

At 28-years-old, six-foot-seven, 231-pound Logan Stanley is the youngest UFA defenceman on this list. He’s physically intimidating and teams will be banking on his offensive breakout of nine goals and 26 points las season being the new norm.

While the Jets shipped Stanley to Buffalo at the trade deadline, there’s some talk Winnipeg could circle back in free agency.

Eeli Tolvanen

Eeli Tolvanen couldn’t replicate a strong 23-goal campaign from 2024-25, finding the back of the net only 12 times with Seattle last year.

But, at just 27-years-old, Tolvanen could slot in nicely with less responsibility as a middle-six option on a deeper team.

Vladimir Tarasenko

Vladimir Tarasenko recently changed agents as he looks for a new deal.

Tarasenko can still provide some scoring spark after putting up 23 goals in 75 games with Minnesota last season, so he should be an attractive option for teams looking for scoring help on the wing.

Claude Giroux

Claude Giroux, 38, has proven durable, playing all 82 games with the Senators last year.

Ottawa is reportedly still interested in bringing back the veteran, but recent rumours have also linked him to Colorado, Montreal and the team he used to captain, Philadelphia.

Other notable UFAs:

John Klingberg, Patrik Laine, Cam Talbot, Michael Bunting, Jamie Benn, Reilly Smith, Evander Kane, Andrew Peeke, David Perron, Adam Henrique, Kevin Hayes, Petr Mrazek, Erik Gudbranson, Matt Murray, David Rittich, James Reimer, Jonathan Drouin, Brandon Saad, Ryan Reaves, Philipp Kurashev, David Kämpf, James van Riemsdyk, Matt Grzelcyk, Adam Erne