The 2026 free agent class, which is just on the horizon, is looking to be one of the weaker free agent classes in recent memory. While there are some recognizable names on the free agent list, the star power is lacking, and this could lead to a situation where teams overpay for free agents simply based on the fact that there is a lack of stars on the free agent list.
When taking a look at some of the players who are currently listed as free agents, some of the names on the list include Alex Tuch, Evgeni Malkin, John Carlson, Patrik Laine, Oliver Bjorkstrand, Boone Jenner, Anders Lee, and Rasmus Andersson, among others. While these are all players who have had very successful careers in the NHL, most are either entering the later stages of their careers or are “very good but not elite.”
Alex Tuch Headlines a Thin Forward Class
Of the forwards that are expected to become free agents, it is possible that Tuch could be the most sought-after name that is available. The Buffalo Sabres winger has had a quiet but effective season offensively.
Tuch has scored 28 goals and 57 points through 64 games this season, which is a rate of 0.89 points per game. These numbers put him at or near the top of the list of impending free agents offensively.
Because of that, Tuch is widely expected to command a major payday if he reaches the open market. Some projections have him seeking a contract in the range of $11 million per season, which would place him among the league’s highest-paid wingers.
Under normal circumstances, that type of contract might be reserved for a true franchise winger. However, given the lack of elite options in this class, teams desperate for scoring could push Tuch’s value even higher.
Veteran Names Dominate the Market
Besides Tuch, many of the forwards set to hit free agency are older players nearing the end of their playing careers.
Players like Malkin, Jamie Benn, Anthony Mantha, and Anders Lee are all well into their 30s and are still playing well, but it would be a huge risk for a team to give them a long-term contract.
Players like Jack Roslovic, Bobby McMann, Michael Bunting, and Scott Laughton could see their stocks increase just due to the need for teams to have depth scoring.
In many cases, players who would otherwise be given a moderate contract could see their contracts increased due to the circumstances.
Defense Market Also Lacks Elite Talent
The defensive group is not significantly stronger. Names like Rasmus Andersson, John Carlson, and Jacob Trouba headline the blue-line class, but again, many of these players are veterans.
Carlson will be 36 by the time free agency arrives, while Trouba has already seen his role shift in recent seasons. Andersson may ultimately become the most sought-after defenseman available, particularly for teams looking for a reliable top-four right-shot defender.
With limited options, teams looking to upgrade their blue line could end up paying a premium.
A Seller’s Market for Free Agents
The end result could be that the free-agent market of 2026 becomes a seller’s market for the players and their representatives. This is because if the free-agent talent pool is not overflowing with superstars, teams will be forced to bid on the best free agents they can find.
This has been the case in the past and has led to inflated contracts throughout the league.
This could be an extremely advantageous situation for players like Tuch. If the free-agent market of 2026 is full of teams looking for a top-line winger, the bidding war could lead to an eight-figure contract for the forward.
The problem that will be faced by the general manager of the team that signs him will be the type of long-term contract that could become outdated quickly.
The worst mistake that teams make in free agency is when the free-agent market is not overflowing with superstars and they pay them superstar money.
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