The NHL offseason is getting even more exciting as free agency starts on July 1. Some star players signed new contracts before free agency began, but many top players are still available.

Teams can still add Stanley Cup winners, skilled goal scorers, and strong defensemen. In this piece, we will see those NHL unrestricted free agents who could make a difference next season. 

Top 10 NHL unrestricted free agents entering July 1

These free agents could make a big difference during the 2026-27 season.

John Carlson

John Carlson is one of the top unrestricted free agents this year. He scored 60 points in 71 games while playing for the Washington Capitals and Anaheim Ducks.

Before free agency started, the Carolina Hurricanes got the rights to talk with him first about a new contract. His last contract had an $8 million salary cap hit.

Rasmus Andersson

Rasmus Andersson is also one of the best defensemen still available. He finished last season with the Vegas Golden Knights. He is known for his strong offensive game and scored 47 points in the 2025-26 season. He has also recorded 40 or more points in several seasons. His last contract had a $4.55 million salary cap hit.

Sergei Bobrovsky

Sergei Bobrovsky helped the Florida Panthers win two straight Stanley Cups before the team traded for Jacob Markstrom and decided to move in a new direction.

As noted by Mike Brehm of USA Today, Bobrovsky is now 38 years old and is the top goalie still available in free agency. His last contract had a $10 million salary cap hit.

Alex Ovechkin

Alex Ovechkin is expected to either sign a new contract with the Washington Capitals or retire. But if he becomes a free agent, he will be one of the biggest names on the market. Even at 40 years old, he scored 32 goals last season. His last contract had a $9.5 million salary cap hit.

Viktor Arvidsson

After two difficult seasons, Viktor Arvidsson played well again with the Boston Bruins. He is the fifth on this NHL unrestricted free agents list.

After joining the team, he scored 25 goals and finished with 54 points. He is now one of the best forwards still available in free agency. His last contract had a $4 million salary cap hit.

Anthony Mantha

Anthony Mantha also improved his value after signing a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Penguins. He finished the season with 64 points. Teams now have to decide if he can keep playing at that level after a few up-and-down seasons. His last contract had a $2.5 million salary cap hit.

Mason Marchment

Mason Marchment had a slow start with the Seattle Kraken after his trade, but he played much better after joining the Columbus Blue Jackets.

He scored 32 points in 39 games with Columbus. He also brings a physical style of play. His last contract had a $4.5 million salary cap hit.

Anders Lee

Anders Lee, the longtime captain of the New York Islanders, is still a dependable goal scorer. He scored 19 goals in the 2025-26 season and has scored at least 20 goals in many seasons during his career. His last contract had a $7 million salary cap hit.

Patrick Kane

Patrick Kane is still playing at a high level. During the 2025-26 season, the Detroit Red Wings forward became the highest-scoring U.S.-born player in NHL history. He has also scored more than 50 points in each of the last two seasons. His last contract had a $3 million salary cap hit.

Frederik Andersen

Veteran goalie Frederik Andersen helped the Carolina Hurricanes reach the Stanley Cup Final before an injury made him miss the last three playoff games. Even after that injury, he is still one of the most reliable goalies available in free agency. His last contract had a $2.75 million salary cap hit.

Even though many star players signed new contracts before free agency, several experienced players are still available. Teams looking for scoring, defense, or goaltending have strong options.

Mats Zuccarello, Vladimir Tarasenko, Boone Jenner, Daniil Tarasov, and Jacob Trouba could all attract interest. What do you think? Which NHL free agent will make the biggest difference for his new team this season? Let us know in the comments. 

Read more at the NHL Fan Central.

Written by

Kapil Manghnani

Edited by

Kaamna Dwivedi