The NHL UFA class 2026 is stacked with talent -and it can also mark a turning point in how Elite players approach a free agency. With the salary limit that is expected to rise by eight digits in the coming years, the Buzz is not just how many players will earn, but How long They will commit themselves.
Connor McDavid heads the class, and although most expect them to sign in Edmonton again, the bigger question is: how long? “The term should be the conversation,” said Sport 1440’s Jason Gregor. In this rising DOP era, locking an eight-year-old deal may not be the obvious choice. “I think McDavid will again sign for a deal of four years … I don’t see an eight -year -old deal in Edmonton,” Mark Spector of Sportnet added.
To be honest, unless his priority plays with his friends and never leaves Edmonton, there is no reason to hold for another eight years.
Although his status in the NHL is unique, the decision of McDavid could set the tone for others, including Kirill Kaprizov, Jack Eichel, Artemi Panarin and Kyle Connor – all potential tests of the market in 2026. Even legends such as Alex Oveechkin, Anze Kopitar and Evgeni.
Many top players probably wait for the first Domino to fall. Nobody wants to incorrectly calculate – either by making the salary bar too low or locking in a rapidly changing market in the wrong period.
Some players race against another clock
In the meantime, players like Oilers defender Jake Walman fall into a second level of free agents. They race against another clock.
Walman can now sign an eight -year -old deal with Edmonton, but as soon as the new SMEs starts, his maximum period drops to the oilers and six elsewhere. Maybe he wants to do that, since every season can influence what his contract looks like. A good raises its value. An average or bad has less chance of getting a fantastic offer that sets him up for life.
It falls where an interesting storyline will be to look at. How much does McDavid’s decision influence the other big names? And, of those big names, who has the confidence to do the first big free agency engagement with their own team?
Next: Oilers under 6 teams that could experience a major overhaul after 2026
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