Hockey

Top 20 NHL UFAs Left After Day 1 Of Free Agency 2026

The opening of NHL free agency 2026 has come and gone, with most of the top talent coming off the market.

For squads that missed out on Rasmus Andersson, Boone Jenner, Sergei Bobrovsky and other top UFAs, there are still free agents who could make an impact next season.

At the top of the bunch is NHL all-time regular-season goals leader, Alex Ovechkin.

 How Jenner & Desharnais Fit With The Capitals, What It Means For Ovechkin & Key Depth Added To Open Free Agency
How Jenner & Desharnais Fit With The Capitals, What It Means For Ovechkin & Key Depth Added To Open Free Agency

How Jenner & Desharnais Fit With The Capitals, What It Means For Ovechkin & Key Depth Added To Open Free Agency

Here's a look at the Washington Capitals moves to open free agency and where things stand.

6. Claude Giroux, RW/C, Ottawa Senators

Age: 38

Shoots: Right

Previous cap hit: $2 million

2025-26 stats: 82 GP, 14 G, 35 A, 49 PTS

7. Nick Blankenburg, D, Colorado Avalanche

Age: 28

Shoots: Right

Previous cap hit: $2 million

2025-26 stats: 61 GP, 8 G, 16 A, 24 PTS

8. John Klingberg, D, San Jose Sharks

Age: 33

Shoots: Right

Previous cap hit: $4 million

2025-26 stats: 56 GP, 10 G, 17 A, 27 PTS

9. Eeli Tolvanen, LW, Seattle Kraken

Age: 27

Shoots: Left

Previous cap hit: $3.475 million

2025-26 stats: 78 GP, 12 G, 24 A, 36 PTS

10. Logan Stanley, D, Buffalo Sabres

Age: 28

Shoots: Left

Previous cap hit: $1.25 million

2025-26 stats: 76 GP, 9 G, 17 A, 26 PTS

 NHL Free Agency Frenzy 2026: Live Signings And Trades Tracker, Analysis
NHL Free Agency Frenzy 2026: Live Signings And Trades Tracker, Analysis

NHL Free Agency Frenzy 2026: Live Signings And Trades Tracker, Analysis

Catch up on the latest NHL free agency coverage, including rankings and analysis, and follow along with all the big deals as the signing season begins.

11. Vladimir Tarasenko, RW, Minnesota Wild

Age: 34

Shoots: Left

Previous cap hit: $4.75 million

2025-26 stats: 75 GP, 23 G, 24 A, 47 PTS

12. Connor Ingram, G, Edmonton Oilers

Age: 29

Catches: Left

Previous cap hit: $1.95 million

2025-26 stats: 16-10-3, 2.60 GAA, .899 SP

13. Andrew Peeke, D, Boston Bruins

Age: 28

Shoots: Right

Previous cap hit: $2.75 million

2025-26 stats: 77 GP, 5 G, 9 A, 14 PTS

14. Cam Talbot, G, Detroit Red Wings

Age: 38

Catches: Left

Previous cap hit: $2.5 million

2025-26 stats: 12-9-6, 3.19 GAA, .883 SP

15. Jamie Benn, LW, Dallas Stars

Age: 36

Shoots: Left

Previous cap hit: $1 million

2025-26 stats: 60 GP, 15 G, 21 A, 36 PTS

16. James van Riemsdyk, LW, Detroit Red Wings

Age: 37

Shoots: Left

Previous cap hit: $1 million

2025-26 stats: 72 GP, 15 G, 16 A, 31 PTS

17. Jonathan Drouin, LW, St. Louis Blues

Age: 31

Shoots: Left

Previous cap hit: $4 million

2025-26 stats: 64 GP, 4 G, 20 A, 24 PTS

18. David Perron, LW, Detroit Red Wings

Age: 38

Shoots: Right

Previous cap hit: $4 million

2025-26 stats: 65 GP, 13 G, 15 A, 28 PTS

19. Reilly Smith, RW, Vegas Golden Knights

Age: 35

Shoots: Left

Previous cap hit: $2 million

2025-26 stats: 69 GP, 16 G, 10 A, 26 PTS

20. Evander Kane, LW, Vancouver Canucks

Age: 34

Shoots: Left

Previous cap hit: $5.125 million

2025-26 stats: 71 GP, 13 G, 18 A, 31 PTS


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This story was originally published July 2, 2026 at 6:52 AM.

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