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Top NHL free agents highlighted as July 1 deadline approaches

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 24, 2026, 7:07 PM

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

Top NHL free agents highlighted as July 1 deadline approaches

Summary

The 2026 NHL free agency period is set to begin on July 1. Alex Tuch of the Buffalo Sabres leads the list of top unrestricted free agents, followed closely by Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals, who is considering his return to the NHL. Other notable free agents include Rasmus Andersson from the Vegas Golden Knights and John Carlson of the Anaheim Ducks. As the salary cap is expected to rise to $104 million, players are likely to see significant salary increases. Several players, including Darren Raddysh and Jason Dickinson, have already signed extensions ahead of the free agency period.

Source Links

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Market Watch

•Free agency starts on July 1, 2026.
•Alex Tuch is the top-rated unrestricted free agent.
•Salary cap is set to increase to $104 million.
•Darren Raddysh and Jason Dickinson have signed extensions.
•Alex Ovechkin is contemplating NHL return with Capitals.

Latest Updates

11:02 PMYahoo Sports — Top 50 NHL UFAs: Andersson, Carlson, Bobrovsky Lead 2026 Free Agency Class
7:07 PMYahoo Sports — Top 30 2026 NHL UFAs: Alex Tuch, Rasmus Andersson, John Carlsson highlight free agent board

What they're saying

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NHL free agency begins on July 1, just one week away. The UFA class doesn't feature the most exciting names of all time, but their is still plenty of talent across the board.
— Yahoo Sports