Take another potential free agent off this summer’s list.
Utah Mammoth forward Nick Schmaltz signed an eight-year contract extension on Wednesday, March 11 with a cap hit of $8 million. That will make him the team’s third-highest player behind Logan Cooley ($10 million cap hit next season) and Mikhail Sergachev ($8.5 million).
Schmaltz, 30, ranks second on the team in goals (24), assists (35), and points (59) in 62 games. He already has passed his career best in goals and is on pace to shatter his top season in points (63 last season).
He had been No. 2 on USA TODAY Sports’ most recent list of top potential free agents and is the latest player to come off what had been an impressive class.
Kirill Kaprizov signed a record extension and has been joined by Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel, Kyle Connor, Martin Necas, Artemi Panarin, Adrian Kempe, Kiefer Sherwood and Schmaltz.
Here are some of the top remaining pending unrestricted free agents:
Top remaining free agents
10. Anthony Mantha, Pittsburgh Penguins
He has rebounded in his first year in Pittsburgh with 24 goals and 48 points. Current cap hit: $2.5 million.
9. Charlie Coyle, Columbus Blue Jackets
The Blue Jackets held onto their free agents at the deadline because the team has turned things around since Rick Bowness was named coach. With 51 points, he’s on pace to set a personal best. Current cap hit: $5.25 million.
8. Anders Lee, New York Islanders
He has been the Islanders’ captain since 2018 and is good for 20-plus goals. He had 29 last season. Current cap hit: $7 million.
7. Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals
The NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer is 40. He’ll either re-sign with Washington or retire. He hasn’t indicated his plans. Current cap hit: $9 million.
6. Sergei Bobrovsky, Florida Panthers
The goalie has won back-to-back Stanley Cup titles and two Vezina Trophies. He’ll be 38 next season. Current cap hit: $10 million.
5. Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins
The 39-year-old has expressed an interest in playing more and he recently said the Penguins would wait until after the season to negotiate. He’s averaging a point a game but has dealt with an injury and had an ill-timed five-game suspension. Current cap hit: $6.1 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 ha 46 points in 55 games. Current cap hit: $8 million.
3. Rasmus Andersson, Vegas Golden Knights
The defenseman was traded to the Golden Knights this season by the Flames. He can provide offense with a 50- and a 49-point season. He’s at 36 points this season. Current cap hit: $4.55 million.
2. Darren Raddysh, Tampa Bay Lightning
The defenseman is having a breakout season with 17 goals and 58 points and filled in well while Victor Hedman was out twice with injuries. Current cap hit: $975,000.
1. Alex Tuch, Buffalo Sabres
The forward can score (two 36-goal seasons) and also kills penalties. He’s at 28 goals this season for the surging Sabres. He wants to stay in Buffalo and general manager Jarmo Kekalainen wants to keep him. Current cap hit: $4.75 million.
Which 2026 free agents have signed extensions recently?
- Minnesota’s Kirill Kaprizov, eight years, $136 million, a record for its total amount and $17 million cap hit
- Edmonton’s Connor McDavid, two years, $25 million. The $12.5 million cap hit equals his current one and places him second on the team behind Leon Draisaitl.
- Edmonton’s Jake Walman, seven years, $49 million
- Winnipeg’s Kyle Connor, eight years, $96 million, richest contract in team history
- Edmonton’s Mattias Ekholm, three years, $12 million
- Vegas’ Jack Eichel, eight years, $108 million
- Colorado’s Martin Necas, eight years, $92 million
- New Jersey’s Jacob Markstrom, two years, $12 million
- Colorado’s Scott Wedgewood, one year, $2.5 million
- Los Angeles’ Adrian Kempe, eight years, $85 million
- Montreal’s Mike Matheson, five years, $30 million
- Tampa Bay’s Ryan McDonagh, three years, $12.1 million
- Los Angeles’ Artemi Panarin, two years, $22 million
- San Jose’s Kiefer Sherwood, five years, $28.75 million
- Seattle’s Jordan Eberle, two years, $11 million
- Utah’s Nick Schmaltz, eight years, $64 million
What is the NHL salary cap for 2025-26 and beyond?
The 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons could have minor adjustments up or down based on revenues:
2025-26
- Upper limit: $95.5 million
- Lower limit: $70.6 million
2026-27
- Upper limit: $104 million
- Lower limit: $76.9 million
2027-28
- Upper limit: $113.5 million
- Lower limit: $83.9 million
