The 2026 Unrestricted Free Agent Market
The 2026 unrestricted free agent (UFA) market is shaping up to be a highly competitive landscape, particularly with several prominent players anticipated to be available. At the forefront of this discussion is Connor McDavid, the captain of the Edmonton Oilers. Speculation around his future has been quietly circulating within NHL circles, raising eyebrows regarding the likelihood of his departure from Edmonton in pursuit of a championship elsewhere.
Insights from Chris Johnston
Chris Johnston, a noted analyst for TSN, recently shared insights on this topic during a segment with the SDPN panel. Although he predicts that McDavid will remain with the Oilers, Johnston highlighted that if the 28-year-old forward were to explore the open market, approximately ten teams could actively court him.
Teams such as the Los Angeles Kings, New York Rangers, and Tampa Bay Lightning are among those expected to consider a move for McDavid. With the salary cap forecasted to ascend to $104 million for the 2026-2027 season, these franchises would have the financial flexibility to pursue McDavid, especially if he positions himself as the highest-paid athlete in the league.
However, the implications of such a significant contract—potentially exceeding $20 million annually—could put considerable strain on their salary cap space, forcing tough decisions regarding current players. For instance, the Kings might find it challenging to retain winger Adrian Kempe, while the Rangers could face the prospect of trading Artemi Panarin. The Lightning, meanwhile, have all their key players signed through 2026-27, but bringing McDavid on board could complicate their ability to maintain a balanced roster.
Quinn Hughes and Family Rumors
In another intriguing storyline, Quinn Hughes, the captain of the Vancouver Canucks, has been the subject of rumors regarding a potential reunion with his brothers, Jack and Luke, who play for the New Jersey Devils. This speculation was ignited during the Canucks’ season-ending media session in April, where Jim Rutherford, the president of hockey operations, hinted at the situation.
Although Hughes won’t hit UFA eligibility until 2027, Rutherford’s comments sparked excitement among Devils fans while causing concern among Canucks supporters about retaining their star defenseman.
However, Canucks teammate Tyler Myers cast doubt on the likelihood of such a move. During a recent appearance on the Cam and Strick Podcast, he suggested that the conversation around Hughes’ potential departure is exaggerated. Myers emphasized the bond between Hughes and his brothers but remarked that Hughes has not explicitly expressed a desire to play alongside them in the NHL.
Despite Myers’ assertion, some analysts, such as James Nichols from New Jersey Hockey Now, posited that there might be ulterior motives behind Rutherford’s statements, possibly as a strategy to assess Hughes’ market value for a potential trade. Until either Hughes or Rutherford addresses these rumors directly, the speculation surrounding his future in Vancouver is likely to persist.
