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The NHL's 2026 free agency class is shaping up to be a significant one, with a projected salary cap increase to $104 million. Several top players, including Connor McDavid, Kirill Kaprizov, and Jack Eichel, are likely to re-sign with their current teams before reaching free agency. However, players like Artemi Panarin and Kyle Connor present interesting scenarios, with their future destinations uncertain depending on team performance and contract negotiations. Other notable potential UFAs include Adrian Kempe, Martin Necas, Sergei Bobrovsky, Rasmus Andersson, and Alex Tuch, each presenting unique situations involving contract value, team performance, and potential trades.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.