The latest speculation on the summit pending UFAs for 2026
Sportsnet’s Luke Fox: A look at the best remaining UFAs for 2026, with some of the latest speculation about them.
1 Adrian Kempe – RW – Los Angeles Kings – Could have been bought for $10 million at one point, but is now looking at at least $11 million. All parties seem to want to make a deal for the potential captain.
2. Artemi Panarin – LW – New York Rangers – He doesn’t seem interested in taking a pay cut. If the Rangers enter the playoff race, he could be a rental player of his own. If not, would Panarin relinquish his NMC? Nick Kypreos reported that the Carolina Hurricanes and Minnesota Wild could be interested.
NHL Rumors: Kings, and the Flyers
3. Rasmus Andersson – D – Calgary Flames – The most likely pending UFA. The trade return would be greater if he were to sign an extension with the acquiring team. He has been linked to the Vegas Golden Knights.
4. Alex Tuch – RW – Buffalo Sabers – The Sabers have the cap space and should look to bring back the hometown. He could be looking for more than $10 million, but is that too much for the Sabres? Will the Sabers change their philosophy and offer signing bonuses?
5. Mike Matheson – D – Montreal Canadiens – He is a big part of the Canadiens blue line and the fit remains good. Matheson said late last month that the teams are not talking to each other and that he only wants to focus on the games.
6. John Carlson – D – Washington Capitals – The Capitals are in no rush to re-sign Carlsson and could let the season play out. He has a 10-team no-trade list, but it’s hard to see him playing anywhere else this year.
7. Nick Schmaltz – C/LW – Utah Mammoth – A big part of their early season success. Talks have been quiet and there was speculation in the offseason that they could move him. Has a 10-team no-trade list.
8. Adam Lowry – C – Winnipeg Jets – A mutual interest in completing an expansion. Could sign a long-term deal for more than $4 million.
9. Evgeni Malkin – C – Pittsburgh Penguins – General Manager Kyle Dubas said they will meet during the Olympic break to see where they stand. If Malkin were to waive his no-movement order, the Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning and Montreal Canadiens would be interested.
10. Jaden Schwartz – LW – Seattle Kraken – Has a no-trade clause from 16 teams. If the Kraken fall out of the race, Schwartz, along with Jordan Eberle, Mason Marchment, Eeli Tolvanen and Jamie Oleksiak, could interest teams.
NHL Rumors: The Latest on Artemi Panarin and Adrian Kempe
11. Stuart Skinner – G – Edmonton Oilers – Has been inconsistent, but has led the Oilers to back-to-back finals.
12. Alex Ovechkin – LW – Washington Capitals – Will he want to keep playing and maybe chase 1,000 goals? Around the Olympic break, Ovechkin was able to reassess how he feels and where the Caps are headed.
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