The recent signing of Martin Necas has significant implications for the 2026 free-agent market. The forward signed an eight-year contract worth $92 million with the Colorado Avalanche, further diminishing the pool of top-tier unrestricted free agents.
Recent High-Profile Contract Extensions
Necas’s deal follows a series of critical signings in the NHL. Notable players who have recently extended their contracts include:
- Kirill Kaprizov – 8 years, $136 million (Minnesota Wild)
- Niko Mikkola – 8 years, $40 million (Florida Panthers)
- Filip Gustavsson – 5 years, $34 million (Minnesota Wild)
- Connor McDavid – 2 years, $25 million (Edmonton Oilers)
- Jake Walman – 7 years, $49 million (Edmonton Oilers)
- Kyle Connor – 8 years, $96 million (Winnipeg Jets)
- Jack Eichel – 8 years, $108 million (Vegas Golden Knights)
Remaining Free Agents and Future Outlook
The face of the free-agent market is changing fast. With several prominent players re-signing, the available star power for July 1 has diminished significantly. Players still on the market include:
- Artemi Panarin (New York Rangers)
- Adrian Kempe (Los Angeles Kings)
Despite ongoing discussions, the Rangers are taking a cautious approach with Panarin under new head coach Mike Sullivan. Meanwhile, Kempe has shown strong performance, which might impact his negotiations.
Key Performers in the 2025-26 Season
Other notable players heading toward free agency include:
- Alex Ovechkin (Washington Capitals)
- Alex Tuch (Buffalo Sabres) – 36 goals last season
- Nick Schmaltz (Utah Mammoth) – 7 goals this season
Statistically, Schmaltz leads the group with an impressive start, recording 17 points in just 11 games.
This shake-up in the 2026 free-agent landscape will continue to evolve as the season progresses. With many top players committing to teams, it’s unclear who may emerge as the premier free agent before the deadline.
