NHL Free Agency: The Pickings Are Slim, But Someone's Getting Paid
The NHL free agency market is a treacherous landscape this summer, with a scarcity of high-impact centers on offer. The Columbus Blue Jackets' decision to stretch to retain Charlie Coyle on a six-year, $36 million deal highlights the dearth of top-six pivots available. This summer promises to be a bonanza for the biggest names, with more money available than appealing targets, leading to some eye-popping contracts.
Here's a look at the top 50 available players, ranked by their potential impact and buzz.
(Note: Net ratings are for 2025-26 via The Athletic's Dom Luszczyszyn's model, stats are via Hockey-Reference, and GSAx via Evolving-Hockey. Contract projections are via CapWages and AFP Analytics.)
Top Players
Alex Tuch
- Team: Buffalo Sabres
- Position: Winger
- Shoots: Right
- Age: 30
- Contract: 7 years, $4,750,000 AAV
- 2025-26 Stats: 79 GP, 33 G, 66 PTS, 19:00 ATOI
Tuch is likely to land the richest deal of any potential UFA this summer. A power forward with good speed, he's a perennial 30-goal scorer with a dangerous shot. As a bonus, he's a threat to score short-handed. The Sabres have indicated a willingness to extend Tuch, but haven't gotten into his price range yet.
Raddysh
- Team: Tampa Bay Lightning
- Position: Defenseman
- Shoots: Right
- Age: 30
- Contract: 6 years, $8,037,900 AAV
- 2025-26 Stats: 73 GP, 22 G, 70 PTS, 22:42 ATOI
Raddysh, an undrafted free agent, exploded for 70 points in his walk year, stepping into a major role. He possesses a cannon for a shot and is ideally suited for quarterbacking a power play. He's also effective at moving the puck and has taken big strides in his defensive play.
Andersson
- Team: Vegas Golden Knights
- Position: Defenseman
- Shoots: Right
- Age: 29
- Contract: 6 years, $4,550,000 AAV
- 2025-26 Stats: 81 GP, 17 G, 47 PTS, 23:12 ATOI
Andersson, a Swede, is a well-rounded two-way defenseman with the size needed to win puck battles. He has the competitiveness to make life difficult for opponents and the agility to help his team go on the attack offensively.
... and so on.
This article provides a detailed breakdown of the top 50 available players, with commentary on their potential impact and market value. It's a comprehensive guide for NHL fans and analysts, offering insights into the free agency landscape and the players who will shape the league's future.
