The 2026 NHL free agent class is one of the strongest in years, but teams have been taking care of business early.
The Vegas Golden Knights and Jack Eichel have agreed to an eight-year contract with a $13.5 million cap hit, according to multiple reports on Wednesday, Oct. 8. He won a Stanley Cup with Vegas in 2023 and set a franchise record with 94 points last season.
That’s the latest signing since Minnesota Wild star Kirill Kaprizov got things moving on Sept. 30 with a eight-year, $136 million extension that will make him the highest-paid player.
Since then, Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid re-signed, going another route by agreeing to a team-friendly two-year deal extension that didn’t include a raise from his current $12.5 million cap hit.
‘It’s about winning and that’s always what I preached and I think this deal gives both sides what they’re looking for,’ he told reporters.
But there is plenty of talent left. Here’s a ranking of remaining potential unrestricted free agents:
10. 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.
9. Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals
The NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer is 40. He’ll either re-sign with Washington or retire. Current cap hit: $9 million.
8. Jacob Markstrom, New Jersey Devils
He helped stabilize the Devils’ goaltending last season and get them back to the playoffs. Current cap hit: $6 million.
7. John Carlson, Washington Capitals
Carlson is the Capitals’ all-time leader in scoring among defensemen and is a key to their power play. He’s the one who sets up Ovechkin’s one-timers. Current cap hit: $8 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. Nick Schmaltz, Utah Mammoth
He keeps improving every year. Right now, the second-line winger gets 20-plus goals and 60-plus points. Current cap hit: $5.85 million.
4. Alex Tuch, Buffalo Sabres
He can score (two 36-goal seasons) and also kills penalties. He wants to stay in Buffalo. Current cap hit: $4.75 million.
3. Martin Necas, Colorado Avalanche
He arrived in last season’s Mikko Rantanen trade and plays on the top line with Nathan MacKinnon. He scored two goals in the season opener. Current cap hit: $6.5 million.
2. Artemi Panarin, New York Rangers
The 33-year-old forward scored 120 points two seasons ago, and although he and the rest of the team dropped off last season, he still had 89 points. He’s often in the 90-point range. Current cap hit: $11,642,857.
1. Adrian Kempe, Los Angeles Kings
The winger has two 35-goal seasons and a 41-goal one. The Kings will need to hang on to that type of production, especially with Anze Kopitar retiring after this season. Current cap hit: $5.5 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, reported eight years, $108 million.
This story has been updated with new information after the Jack Eichel signing.
