2026 NHL Top UFAs: Several double-digit goal scorers still available
NHL general managers have been busy this summer, signing almost 290 contracts worth $1.7 billion since July 1.
That doesn’t mean their work is done, however, as there are 10 unrestricted free agents still available who all scored double digit goals last season.
Here’s the list of remaining UFAs who can make major impacts next season.
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Vladimir Tarasenko
Age: 34
Position: RW
2025-26 cap hit: $4.75M
2025-26 stats: 47 points (23G, 24A) in 75 games
At 34, there’s still some gas left in the tank for Vladimir Tarasenko, who ripped home 23 goals for the Minnesota Wild last season despite limited power play usage.
Tarasenko could be a valuable depth scoring winger on a contender in need of a cheaper option. Think teams like Edmonton and Vegas when it comes to Tarasenko.
Reilly Smith
Age: 35
Position: RW
2025-26 cap hit: $2M
2025-26 stats: 26 points (16G, 10A) in 69 games
Veteran winger Reilly Smith has now been dumped by the Vegas Golden Knights twice despite finding the back of the net 16 times last season.
Smith is a 2023 Stanley Cup champion and the two-way forward could a dependable defensive presence in a third-line role somewhere outside of Vegas.
Marcus Johansson
Age: 35
Position: C
2025-26 cap hit: $800,000
2025-26 stats: 49 points (15G, 34A) in 75 games
Marcus Johansson provided a nice return with 15 goals and nearly 50 points on a league-minimum deal with Minnesota last year.
However, the Landskrona, Sweden native is opting to return to his native country next season on a two-year contract with Farjestad BK.
James van Riemsdyk
Age: 37
Position: LW
2025-26 cap hit: $1M
2025-26 stats: 31 points (15G, 16A) in 72 games
James van Riemsdyk will be looking for a new home for the fourth straight season after producing 15 goals for Detroit last year.
You know what you get with Van Riemsdyk, a defensively responsible two-way winger who has averaged 71 games and 35 points over each of the last three seasons with Boston, Columbus and Detroit.
Michael Bunting
Age: 30
Position: LW
2025-26 cap hit: $4.5M
2025-26 stats: 33 points (14G, 19A) in 74 games
Michael Bunting is due for a significant pay cut after playing for six different NHL teams since the 2021-22 season.
Bunting has four 19-goal seasons under his belt despite playing in several different systems and not experiencing a lot of consistency with teams. A pest who can get under opponents’ skin, Bunting is best used as a complimentary piece beside offensive centre-men.
Evander Kane
Age: 34
Position: LW
2025-26 cap hit: $5.125M
2025-26 stats: 31 points (13G, 18A) in 71 games
It wasn’t a great year for Evander Kane after joining his hometown Vancouver Canucks.
At his best, Kane is an elite power forward who can bang home 20 goals in the regular season and is built for playoff hockey. However, he also wears out his welcome quick in the locker room. The ideal fit for Kane is a veteran group who will keep him in line so his focus stays on the ice.
David Perron
Age: 38
Position: LW
2025-26 cap hit: $4M
2025-26 stats: 28 points (13G, 15A) in 65 games
David Perron is three years removed from his last 20-goal season, but he’s been stuck on some bad Ottawa and Detroit teams in that time.
At 38-years-old, it’s all about fit when it coms to Perron, so he might need to accept an PTO to have a shot at sticking in the league next season.
Eeli Tolvanen
Age: 27
Position: RW
2025-26 cap hit: $3.475M
2025-26 stats: 36 points (12G, 24A) in 78 games
Eeli Tolvanen is easily the youngest player on this list and I think there’s no doubt he finds a home before the start of training camp.
Tolvanen has been a causality of Seattle’s mediocrity. If he’s slotted properly in a middle-six role, he should thrive on a playoff team.
Jonathan Toews
Age: 38
Position: C
2025-26 cap hit: $2M
2025-26 stats: 29 points (11G, 18A) in 82 games
Jonathan Toews is technically listed as a UFA, although he already announced his retirement after playing one final season with his hometown Winnipeg Jets.
Toews is a sure-fire first ballot Hall-of-Famer. The youngest member ever of the Triple Gold Club, Toews has won three Stanley Cups, a Conn Smythe Trophy, a Selke, a Mark Messier Leadership Award, two Olympic gold medals and two World Junior golds.
John Klingberg
Age: 33
Position: RD
2025-26 cap hit: $4M
2025-26 stats: 27 points (10G, 17A) in 56 games
John Klingberg found himself on the outside looking in when San Jose overhauled their defensive group this off-season.
Klingberg is coming off his best offensive showing in years with 10 goals, but he remains a defensive liability. However, teams like Boston and Philadelphia could take a chance on Klingberg as they seek a veteran right-shot defenceman.