Top Five Unrestricted Free Agents Still Available in NHL 2026 Market

The NHL’s 2026 free agency period is entering its third week, with most high-profile players already signed. John Carlson, Rasmus Andersson, Sergei Bobrovsky, and Alex Tuch secured contracts early on July 1, among others. Despite this, several experienced veterans remain on the market, offering value and potential roster depth for interested teams.

Below are the five highest-rated remaining unrestricted free agents (UFAs), featuring four skaters and one goaltender.

5. Eeli Tolvanen, RW

While Tolvanen’s goal-scoring declined with the Seattle Kraken this season—12 goals in 2025-26 compared to 23 in 2024-25—this 27-year-old winger can still contribute as a reliable bottom-six forward. His 0.50 points-per-game average in 2023-24 demonstrates his ability to provide scoring depth in the right role. Though Seattle may not re-sign him, his $3.475 million salary from last season suggests he’ll seek a prove-it deal with a contender rather than accept a significant pay cut.

4. Connor Ingram, G

The goaltending market moved swiftly this summer, with Sergei Bobrovsky joining Toronto and Frederik Andersen signing with Edmonton. This created opportunities for Ingram, who was displaced by Andersen’s arrival. At 29, Ingram posted a .899 save percentage and 2.60 goals-against average with Edmonton in 2025-26, showing he can handle 25-35 games as a backup or minor-league option. His $1.95 million salary from last season positions him as an affordable, injury-covering depth signing.

Oilers Moving on From Goaltender Connor Ingram
Failed negotiations send the breakout netminder to free agency as Edmonton pivots toward high-profile targets like Sergei Bobrovsky and Devon Levi to solidify their crease.

His versatility and affordable contract make him a speculative but practical target for teams needing goaltending flexibility.

3. Michael Bunting, LW

Now 30, Bunting remains a gritty, physical forward capable of adding secondary scoring. With Nashville in 2025-26, he tallied 13 goals and 31 points in 61 games before struggling with Dallas (one goal, two points in 13 games). Teams may question his production decline, but his $4.5 million salary from last season highlights his value as a sandpaper addition to a forward group, even if he’s not a top-six lock.

2. Vladimir Tarasenko, LW

Tarasenko’s journeyman status continues, having played for six teams in four seasons. However, his 2025-26 performance with Minnesota—23 goals and 47 points in 75 games—marks his strongest output since 2021-22. At 34, he can’t carry a team alone, but his $4.75 million salary demands and Stanley Cup-winning pedigree make him an appealing target for clubs seeking 20-25 goals of veteran scoring depth.

1. Patrick Kane, RW

Kane’s legacy as a Hall of Fame-caliber talent is secure, but the 37-year-old still has plenty to offer. In Detroit last season, he tallied 16 goals and 57 points in 67 games on a $3 million deal. With no urgency to maximize earnings, Kane can prioritize joining a contender. Speculation links him to Buffalo or Chicago, where his veteran leadership and middle-six scoring could elevate a playoff-bound roster.

Bedard Hoping Kane Chooses Chicago Over Buffalo
Calder Trophy winner signed a five-year extension with the Hawks, and expresses wish that the three-time Cup winner return to Chicago

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