The NHL free agency landscape is shifting dramatically as Nikolaj Ehlers has signed with the Carolina Hurricanes, marking a significant moment in the ongoing player movement of 2025. With this latest signing, teams are now focusing on the star-studded unrestricted free agent class of 2026, which promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. As of 2025-07-04 15:00:00, speculation is rife about which top players will remain with their current teams or test the market.
- Nikolaj Ehlers signs with Carolina Hurricanes.
- 2026 free agent class is star-studded.
- Connor McDavid likely to extend with Edmonton.
- Kirill Kaprizov expected to surpass $14 million.
- Jack Eichel's recovery boosts his market value.
- Connor Bedard eligible for extension soon.
This upcoming class features elite talents like Connor McDavid, Kirill Kaprizov, and Jack Eichel, all of whom could command lucrative deals given the rising salary cap. The stakes are high as teams strategize to either retain their stars or prepare for fierce bidding wars come July 1.
As teams gear up for the 2026 season, the pressure is mounting for general managers to secure their star players. Will they extend contracts before the market opens or risk losing them to rival teams? Key developments include:
- Connor McDavid is unlikely to leave Edmonton, but a short-term extension is expected.
- Kirill Kaprizov may surpass a $14 million cap hit, given Minnesota’s financial flexibility.
- Jack Eichel’s recent success with Vegas makes him a prime candidate for an extension.
- Kyle Connor’s future in Winnipeg remains uncertain, potentially making him a free agent.
