Who are the top NHL free agents this offseason? Ranking the 15 best players
After the Stanley Cup Final is awarded in June, NHL free agency will begin on July 1. Here are the top 15 free agents available this summer.
The final four teams in the Stanley Cup playoffs are ready to face off in the conference finals starting on May 20. The Colorado Avalanche and Vegas Golden Knights meet in the Western Conference final, while the Carolina Hurricanes and Montreal Canadiens meet in the Eastern. After the Stanley Cup Final is awarded in June, the offseason will begin with the 2026 NHL Draft on June 26 and then free agency on July 1.
Here are the top 15 unrestricted free agents available this summer. 1. Alex Tuch, RW 2025-26 (Age 30): 33 goals, 33 assists, 19:00 average time on ice Alex Tuch blossomed into a formidable offensive threat with Buffalo the past five seasons and could be looking at a big pay raise from his $4.
7 million annual cap hit. 2. Darren Raddysh, Defense (right-handed) 2025-26 (Age 30): 22 goals, 48 assists, 22:42 average time on ice An incredible breakout season for Darren Raddysh with Tampa, jumping from 37 points to 70 points in one season.
3. Anthony Mantha, RW 2025-26 (Age 31): 33 goals, 31 assists, 15:11 average time on ice Anthony Mantha had a career-high 64 points, a huge return for a one-year, $2. 5 million contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins this season.