NHL · 8 hours ago

Ranking the Top 35 NHL Free Agents This Offseason

Grant White

Host · Writer

35. Andrew Peeke
Effectively, Andrew Peeke is Temu Brett Kulak. Like the aforementioned rearguard, Peeke plays with an unrelenting edge against premier opponents, while still managing to produce offensively.

The 28-year-old has found his rhythm in Boston. Peeke put up a career-best 17 points in 2024-25, following that up with a 14-point effort last season. Granted, his -22 rating leaves something to be desired, but it's worth noting that only 34.9% of his zone starts came in the attacking end.

Peeke wanders into free agency as a curious case study. Surely, there are teams out there who are willing to overpay for his services. But he could sacrifice term and/or salary to stay with the B's or hop ship to another fringe playoff team.
1. Darren Raddysh
If we’re basing our predictions on last year’s performances alone, low-key, Darren Raddysh is the best player available in this year’s NHL free agent class.

The rearguard was a monster in all facets of the game. He had a career-best 70 points last season, a 57.1% expected goals-for rating, and played a prominent role across all strengths.

A coveted right-shot defenseman, Raddysh will command a hefty price on the open market.
2. Rasmus Andersson
Rasmus Andersson was one of the premier targets ahead of the NHL Trade Deadline this season. His tenure with the Golden Knights got off to a bit of a rocky start, but there’s still plenty to like about Andersson.

Another right-shot defenseman, Andersson has an elite analytics profile. He put together a 55.9% expected goals-for rating in Vegas while contributing to 3.8 high-danger chances per game at five-on-five.

The market for Andersson’s services will be more robust than what we saw at the trade deadline. We’re predicting he doubles his $4.5 million salary from this season.
3. Jason Robertson
A restricted free agent, Jason Robertson and the Stars could be headed for a messy divorce this offseason. Dallas is reportedly open to moving their premier scorer, and it could use the cap space to re-tool its defense.

Robertson’s scoring prowess is undeniable. He’s coming off a 45-goal campaign and has eclipsed 40 tallies in three of the last five seasons. That puts Robertson at 444 points across 402 games, including a 109-point effort in 2022-23.

Moving on from their 26-year-old scoring winger could be a fatal move, but the Stars may welcome a qualifying offer and take draft picks as compensation.
4. Alex Tuch
Alex Tuch is another premier scoring winger who should get a pay raise this offseason. A three-time 30-goal scorer, a reunion with the Sabres appears unlikely in free agency.

Tuch earned $4.75 million last season, a discounted rate for a scorer of his caliber. Moreover, he reached that milestone in three of the previous four seasons with a limited supporting cast in Buffalo.

Many contending teams would like to reinforce their middle-six with a player of Tuch’s caliber. That could turn into a bidding war and a lengthy contract.
5. Trevor Zegras
Another restricted free agent, Trevor Zegras could be a more realistic target for a team looking to make a qualifying offer for a scoring winger.

Zegras concluded his lone season in Philadelphia with a career-best 26 goals and 67 points. That was the third time in his six-year career in which he eclipsed the 20-goal plateau and the first time that he didn’t finish with a minus rating.

Surely, Zegras would bolster most teams’ middle-six. Coming off a $5.75 million deal, the draft pick compensation would be much less onerous than teams potentially looking at Jason Robertson.
6. Sergei Bobrovsky
Aging goaltenders face a steep decline in the NHL, and Sergei Bobrovsky is on the edge of collapse. Still, with a weak goaltending free agent class, several teams could look to the Russian netminder to stabilize their blue paint.

A two-time Stanley Cup and a Vezina Trophy winner, Bobrovsky is coming off the worst statistical campaign of his career. He posted an 87.7% save percentage and 3.07 goals against average, which will undoubtedly be a factor in negotiations this offseason.

Bobrovsky fell out of favor in Florida, but Stanley Cup-winning goaltenders don’t often roam into free agency. Expect a modest offer and Bobrovsky to suit up for at least one more campaign.
7. Jacob Trouba
Jacob Trouba plays a more classic defensive role than modern-day blueliners. While he’s coming off a 35-point season, any team canvassing Trouba this offseason won’t be looking to maximize his offensive value.

Trouba is a shutdown defenseman. He starts 43.5% of his shifts in the defensive zone and has earned a reputation for his mind-bending hits. That has helped him endear himself to his teammates and made Trouba one of the most respected locker room leaders.

After the Ducks’ success this season, Trouba may elect to sign at a discounted rate to stay in Anaheim. If not, he could get a raise to go elsewhere.
8. John Carlson
He may be getting a little long in the tooth, but John Carlson proved he’s still a top-tier NHL defender.

Carlson had a resurgent campaign. He totaled 60 points in 71 games, his highest total since 2021-22. However, offensive production came at the expense of his defensive responsibilities. Carlson had another 118 turnovers this season, marking an unflattering downward trajectory.

Teams will be wary of inking Carlson to an extended contract. Expect him to prioritize winning before he rides off into the sunset.
9. Connor Bedard
Inarguably, Connor Bedard is more skilled than any other player on this list. But he hasn’t had the start to his career that many expected and the chances of him moving this offseason are slim.

Bedard hasn’t developed into the game-changing forward many expected him to be. His play is analogous to the Blackhawks’ struggles as a whole. The former first-overall player is a staggering -98 across three NHL seasons, and he’s been better than a point per game only once over that stretch.

Chicago remains a bottom-feeding team, and Bedard hasn’t been the transformative player he was drafted to be. That opens the door for a potential qualifying offer, but it’s more likely that he’s traded than offer sheeted.
10. Anthony Mantha
Inconsistency has limited Anthony Mantha’s ceiling throughout his career, but he’s coming off his best statistical campaign to date. Several teams will be knocking at his door, hoping to add Mantha on a bonus-laden deal.

Mantha’s 33 goals this season were the best of his career, and nearly as many as his last three seasons combined. But with a shooting percentage approaching 20.0% over that stretch, he’s clearly got a lot of offensive upside.

Mantha found his rhythm in Pittsburgh, and he could be tempted to stay in the Steel City. Some teams may dangle a few extra years on a deal to try and lure him away.
11. Bobby McMann
Bobby McMann had a breakout campaign in 2025-26. The speedy winger recorded 29 goals with two different teams, setting a career-best in goals and points. That will be his biggest bargaining chip at the negotiating table.

The Kraken unlocked McMann’s full scoring potential. The Canadian totaled 10 goals and 14 points in just 18 games played, yielding a 17.2% shooting percentage. Those are big numbers in today’s game, albeit across a small sample size.

Many teams will covet McMann as a middle-six contributor. Still, there are some who may be willing to pay him as a top-six forward.
12. Boone Jenner
Few players straddle the line between grit and skill as well as Boone Jenner. The Jackets’ power forward wanders into free agency, looking for one last payday.

Jenner has spent his entire career in Columbus, and the most likely scenario is that he re-ups with the Blue Jackets. Failing that, he would be a solid depth option on a contender.

It’s been two seasons since Jenner made his lone All-Star appearance or recorded at least 20 goals. We will probably see more grit than skill as Jenner wanders into the autumn of his career.
13. Scott Laughton
Scott Laughton has bounced around over the past couple of seasons. He’s played for three different teams across that stretch, fulfilling a depth role with scoring potential at each stop.

Laughton has recorded at least 11 goals in five straight seasons, despite most of his zone starts coming in the defensive end. That skillset is valued at the center position, and there are teams willing to overpay for those services.

As was the case at the trade deadline, look for contending teams to get in on the Laughton sweepstakes this offseason.
14. Connor Murphy
Connor Murphy's value exploded with the Oilers. He showcased his defense-first approach and proved to be a quality shutdown defender.

Murphy was acquired by the Oilers partway through the season, which could prove to be a turning point in contract negotiations this offseason.

Hulking right-shot defensemen are a commodity, and Murphy is one of the few gems. A reunion with the Oilers is on the table, but several teams will be looking to steal him away.
15. Mason Marchment
Mason Marchment didn't fit in with the Kraken, and Seattle was quick to cut its losses during the regular season. After a resurgent showing in Columbus, Marchment is heading into free agency on strong footing.

The 30-year-old forward accumulated 32 points in 39 games with the Blue Jackets, coming up one goal shy of his third straight 20-goal season.

Given the lack of depth in this year's free agent class, Marchment will have plenty of leverage at the bargaining table. Expect at least another four-year deal with a moderate increase in his $4.5 million salary.
16. Viktor Arvidsson
Viktor Arvidsson had a bounce-back year with the Bruins, but we're not convinced he's operating on sustainable groundwork. Still, he could get paid in an underwhelming free agency class.

Arvidsson didn't fit in with the Oilers. The Swede put up just 27 points in 2024-25, forcing his move to Beantown. While he responded with a 25-goal and 54-point campaign, that puts Arvidsson below his previous career-highs of 34 goals and 61 points.

Many teams will be looking to bolster their middle-six with Arvidsson. But as we've seen, he's not a perfect fit everywhere he goes. Now 33-years-old, his production will inevitably decline.
17. Anders Lee
For the past 14 years, Anders Lee has been a mainstay of the Islanders' lineup. In the autumn of his career, we expect Lee to test the free agent waters to see if he can win a Stanley Cup elsewhere.

Lee is the epitome of a two-way player. Over the past three seasons, he's totaled 133 points while finishing a cumulative +5. He plays hard minutes in the defensive zone without compromising offensive production.

Many contenders will covet Lee as a middle-six contributor. The winger would be wise to see what offers are out there when the free agency window opens.
18. Patrick Kane
Even after all these years, Patrick Kane's still got it. The future Hall of Famer has 55 or more points in all but one of his 19 professional seasons, and will be looking for another short-term deal to extend his career.

Most notably, Kane maintained his offensive production with improved defensive metrics last season. He finished the year with 14 goals and 57 points in 67 games, finishing as a -1, his best mark since 2019-20.

Kane's sustained production should attract attention from several teams. If he wants to continue playing and chase hockey's Holy Grail, he has to look outside of Detroit, though.
19. Mario Ferraro
Mario Ferraro has come a long way in his NHL career. He remains a defense-first rearguard, starting just 36.2% of his shifts in the attacking zone; however, his shutdown abilities improved immensely in 2025-26.

Throughout his seven-year career, Ferraro is a staggering -121 across 490 NHL games. Still, he had the best statistical year of his career last season. The Sharks' defender finished just -1 and put up a career-high 23 points while finding his footing against premier competition.

Ferraro's coming out party coincides with his free agency year. Teams may be wary of whether he can replicate that success next season, but we like the direction Ferraro is heading.
20. Stuart Skinner
At his best, Stuart Skinner would be a top-five player in this year's free agency class. Inconsistency prevents him from earning that distinction.

Splitting time between the Oilers and Penguins, Skinner finished last season with a combined 2.92 goals against average and 88.8% save percentage. That's unlikely to result in the opportunity to earn a starter's gig with most other teams, but he's proven to be a competent starter in short bursts.

Again, Skinner was chased from the starter's crease in the postseason. With the right structure in front of him and more consistent performances, Skinner could recapture his All-Star form.
21. Trevor Zegras
Trevor Zegras's NHL arc has been something else. The former ninth-overall selection has gone from EA Sports cover athlete to Ducks' castoff. Nevertheless, he started the redemption portion of his career in Philadelphia.

Across two seasons from 2023 to 2025, Zegras accumulated 18 goals while appearing in just 88 games. Injuries were a factor, but it was clear that the skilled forward wasn't living up to his potential. Anaheim traded Zegras to the Flyers last offseason, precipitating the best statistical campaign (26 goals, 41 assists) of his career.

Still a restricted free agent, Zegras could be the target of an offer sheet this offseason. If not, the Flyers could sell high on their young phenom and continue their perpetual rebuild.
22. Leo Carlsson
Leo Carlsson just wrapped up his rookie deal, and it's probable he sees a big increase as a restricted free agent. An offer sheet can't be written off, but we expect the Ducks ink him to a max contract this summer.

Carlsson has been one of Anaheim's most reliable producers. Over the past two seasons, he has 49 goals while reaching the 20-goal mark in each of those campaigns. Moreover, he's proven to be a reliable defensive zone presence, finishing a combined +10 over that stretch.

Center men of Carlsson's ilk don't come around very often. He will be one of the Ducks' highest-paid players at the start of next season.
23. Mats Zuccarello
Sixteen seasons later, Mats Zuccarello remains a force every time he steps onto the ice.

The Norwegian forward appeared in 59 games last season, still managing to finish north of 50 points for the fifth straight season. He's always been a pass-first forward, but Zuccarello hasn't lost his scoring touch. He notched 15 goals for the Wild in 2025-26, the 13th straight season in which he's hit double-digits.

Zuccarello is 37 games of 1,000 for his career. He'll be 39-years-old by the start of next season, but we think he inks a one-year pact to reach that exclusive benchmark.
24. Jack Roslovic
Wandering into free agency has become an annual tradition for Jack Roslovic. He continues to prove that he's worth more than he's getting paid, but teams are still apprehensive about signing the scoring winger to a long-term deal.

Roslovic has played for four different teams since the start of the 2023-24 season. Across that three-season sample, he's notched 52 goals, including 20-goal efforts in each of the last two seasons.

A pure goal scorer, if not defensive liability, Roslovic is the scoring presence teams desperately need in their middle six. Expect him to prioritize length over winning, meaning his best offer may come from a fringe playoff team.
25. Jaden Schwartz
Jaden Schwartz suffered through some lean years with the Kraken. Throughout his tenure in Seattle, the veteran center has maintained above-average scoring metrics without compromising in the defensive zone.

Schwartz appeared in more than 62 games in just two of his five seasons in Seattle. Still, he totaled 168 points across 301 games, with most of shifts starting in the defensive zone last season.

Now in the autumn of his career, Schwartz will prioritize winning over loyalty to the Kraken. We predict he signs with a contender as soon as the free agency window opens.
26. Michael Bunting
He hasn't recaptured his early-career form, but Michael Bunting is still a solid complementary scorer. He finished last season with the Stars, but it's unlikely he returns to Dallas after an underwhelming showing.

Bunting has suited up for three different teams over the last two years, failing to make an impact at any one of those stops. He accumulated 28 goals over that modest sample, notching just one goal in 13 games with the Stars.

With a career 13.0% shooting percentage, Bunting's scoring prowess needs to be embraced. But at 31-years-old at the start of next season, most teams will covet him as a middle-six forward as opposed to a top-line contributor.
27. Kasperi Kapanen
Kasperi Kapanen's perceived value as a scoring winger has diminished over the past few seasons. Still, he remains a defensively responsible middle-six option that could elevate a team's performance.

We saw Kapanen embrace his two-way game in Edmonton. While he skated next to Leon Draisaitl at times, Kapanen was also tasked with playing third-line minutes and spending more time in his own end. With that, his scoring production was negatively impacted, but he played hard minutes against tough opponents.

Checking forwards with scoring potential separate contenders from pretenders. If Kapanen embraces this identity, he could transform the bottom-six of any team.
28. John Klingberg
It's been a minute since John Klingberg was viewed as a premier defenseman. After a resurgent campaign in San Jose, many teams will be checking on the veteran rearguard this offseason.

From 2022 to 2025, Klingberg appeared in just 92 games while suiting up for four different teams. The constant movement and wondering how he fit in negatively impacted his metrics. The Swede mustered just 42 points and a -32 rating, perpetuating the constant churn.

Klingberg settled in with the Sharks, recording 27 points in 56 games last season. He still finished with a lackluster -13 rating, but Klingberg showed he still has some offense left in his game.
29. Ryan Shea
Ryan Shea was drafted by the Blackhawks in the fourth round of the 2015 NHL Draft. It took him a while to land in the NHL and even longer to make an impact, but he could get a hefty pay raise this offseason.

Shea's first action in the league came in 2023-24 as a 26-year-old. He was used sparingly in each of the first two seasons, accumulating just 70 games. This season, he started all but two games for the Penguins, while recording six goals and 35 points.

A late-bloomer, Shea is a top-four defenseman with scoring potential. He could be tempted by a large offer to sign elsewhere this summer.
30. Alex Ovechkin
It feels uncomfortable putting the NHL's all-time leading goal scorer this far down the list. Sadly, that's where Alex Ovechkin belongs at this stage of his career.

Soon to be 41-years-old, Ovi hasn't lost his scoring touch. The Russian tallied 32 goals last season, marking the fifth straight season and the 20th time in his career that he's reached that plateau. Until he calls it quits, we expect him to keep reaching that lofty standard.

Ovechkin isn't signing anywhere other than Washington. We don't think he leaves the NHL without a victory lap, but we also wouldn't be surprised if he signs a multi-year deal.
31. Pavel Dorofeyev
Pavel Dorofeyev has steadily increased his production year over year, and the speedy winger is about to get paid.

Dorofeyev has recorded 35 or more goals in each of the past two seasons, setting a career-high with 37 in 2025-26. With that, his point total has gone from 24 to 52 to 64 in each of the last three campaigns, solidifying his presence as a top six winger.

Still a restricted free agent, Dorofeyev could be the target of several teams via offer sheets this offseason. Vegas is perilously close to the cap ceiling and will need to find a way to accommodate its young phenom.
32. Vladimir Tarasenko
Vladimir Tarasenko has bounced around over the past few years. Still, he's been a productive winger at every stop along the way.

Most recently, the two-time Stanley Cup winner was an effective offensive contributor for the Minnesota Wild. Tarasenko topped the 20-goal plateau for the ninth time in his 14 year career. Further, he added 24 assists while skating in Minny's top six.

Teams have been apprehensive about signing Tarasenko to a long-term deal, a phenomenon that's unlikely to change this offseason. Expect a short-term deal with a team looking for scoring punch on the wing.
33. Frederik Andersen
This year's Stanley Cup run perfectly encapsulates where Frederik Andersen is in his career. At his best, he's a game-changing netminder. However, those top performances are growing more inconsistent. At his worst, Andersen is a liability between the pipes.

Through the opening two rounds of this postseason, Andersen had a tidy .950 save percentage and 1.12 goals against average. Across the last two series, those numbers plummeted to .856 and 2.77. After running up an .874 save percentage through the regular season, we're confident that Andersen's best days are behind him.

The Canes will be eager to bring the gang back for another run next season, but it's unlikely that Andersen will command a hefty price or long-term contract. All of that assumes he has any desire to continue playing after his offseason of celebrating.
34. Brett Kulak
Every team needs a defenseman like Brett Kulak. A minutes-eater who can line up against any attacker in the defending zone, Kulak always reserves his best performances for when it matters most.

After being traded twice this season, Kulak achieved the rarely seen accomplishment of playing in 83 games. He started in Edmonton, getting sent to Pittsburgh before landing with the Avs for their run to the Western Conference Final. Across the entire sample, Kulak tallied 12 points while playing nearly 20 hard-fought minutes a night.

We are in the era of overpaying for middle-of-the-road defenders, and we can think of no better candidate than Brett Kulak for one of those deals. If he elects to sign with a contender, we suspect he'll be leaving money on the table.
35. Andrew Peeke
Effectively, Andrew Peeke is Temu Brett Kulak. Like the aforementioned rearguard, Peeke plays with an unrelenting edge against premier opponents, while still managing to produce offensively.

The 28-year-old has found his rhythm in Boston. Peeke put up a career-best 17 points in 2024-25, following that up with a 14-point effort last season. Granted, his -22 rating leaves something to be desired, but it's worth noting that only 34.9% of his zone starts came in the attacking end.

Peeke wanders into free agency as a curious case study. Surely, there are teams out there who are willing to overpay for his services. But he could sacrifice term and/or salary to stay with the B's or hop ship to another fringe playoff team.
1. Darren Raddysh
If we’re basing our predictions on last year’s performances alone, low-key, Darren Raddysh is the best player available in this year’s NHL free agent class.

The rearguard was a monster in all facets of the game. He had a career-best 70 points last season, a 57.1% expected goals-for rating, and played a prominent role across all strengths.

A coveted right-shot defenseman, Raddysh will command a hefty price on the open market.

Ranking the Top 35 NHL Free Agents This Offseason

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