{"time":1782498843574,"blocks":[{"id":"-C5X4JQeb4","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"NHL free agency opens on July 1 with some intriguing pending UFAs still unsigned."}},{"id":"TupLVw9Ehj","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The 2026 class doesn't include the big names that it could've had, since Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel and Kyle Connor are among the star talent that signed contract extensions long ago."}},{"id":"y0YWgIMdeU","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"That doesn't mean there are no good players, however. There are pending UFAs who could fit in a team's top two forward lines, the middle defense pair or the starting goalie role. There's also suspense as we await Alex Ovechkin's decision on whether he will play another NHL season or not."}},{"id":"mqsltd78","type":"video","data":{"url":"https://us-central1-deweb-519a7.cloudfunctions.net/mediaService-api/videos/49bef723-9bdb-4d08-a716-3f69d8781929/mp4","caption":"","autoplay":false,"controls":true,"muted":false,"stretched":true,"width":0,"height":0,"image":{"url":"https://us-central1-deweb-519a7.cloudfunctions.net/mediaService-api/videos/49bef723-9bdb-4d08-a716-3f69d8781929/thumbnail"},"cdn":{"videoId":"49bef723-9bdb-4d08-a716-3f69d8781929","libraryId":"372172","collectionId":"30032062-eefd-4041-a355-12ad05bc987b","cdnBaseUrl":"https://vz-052fc010-b27.b-cdn.net","mp4Url":"https://us-central1-deweb-519a7.cloudfunctions.net/mediaService-api/videos/49bef723-9bdb-4d08-a716-3f69d8781929/mp4","thumbnailUrl":"https://us-central1-deweb-519a7.cloudfunctions.net/mediaService-api/videos/49bef723-9bdb-4d08-a716-3f69d8781929/thumbnail","previewAnimationUrl":"https://vz-052fc010-b27.b-cdn.net/49bef723-9bdb-4d08-a716-3f69d8781929/preview.webp"}}},{"id":"LvQdHmSpU3","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Alex Tuch had been the top pending UFA left, but he's been traded to the Washington Capitals and signed an eight-year contract extension worth $10.5 million annually."}},{"id":"WRcH7YU223","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"TheHockeyNews.com will go more in-depth on the top five players at each position in the lead-up to NHL free agency. Click here for the top five goalies."}},{"id":"ravwPHAjYA","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"In the meantime, here are the top 50 UFAs. Salary information is according to PuckPedia."}},{"id":"y1ESGnKOeP","type":"header","data":{"text":"Top 50 Pending NHL UFAs","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"ynWWe2W_Xe","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"1. Rasmus Andersson, D, Vegas Golden Knights
Age: 29
Shoots: Right
Previous cap hit: $4.55 million
2025-26 stats: 81 GP, 17 G, 30 A, 47 PTS"}},{"id":"_hLF5osAa2","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"2. Alex Ovechkin, LW, Washington Capitals
Age: 40
Shoots: Right
Previous cap hit: $9.5 million
2025-26 stats: 82 GP, 32 G, 32 A, 64PTS"}},{"id":"-mkdAfmxUl","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"3. John Carlson, D, Anaheim Ducks
Age: 36
Shoots: Right
Previous cap hit: $8 million
2025-26 stats: 71 GP, 14 G, 46 A, 60 PTS "}},{"id":"wDjryPAuyX","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"4. Sergei Bobrovsky, G, Florida Panthers
Age: 37
Catches: Left
Previous cap hit: $10 million
2025-26 stats: 27-23-1, 3.07 GAA, .877 SP"}},{"id":"mNH5DMhVAx","type":"linkTool","data":{"link":"https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/nhl-rumor-roundup-latest-on-connor-hellebuyck-and-sergei-bobrovsky","meta":{"title":"NHL Rumor Roundup: Latest On Connor Hellebuyck And Sergei Bobrovsky","site_name":"The Hockey News","url":"https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/nhl-rumor-roundup-latest-on-connor-hellebuyck-and-sergei-bobrovsky","description":"There's growing speculation over whether the Winnipeg Jets will trade Connor Hellebuyck, plus the latest on Sergei Bobrovsky's contract talks with the Florida Panthers as his UFA eligibility approaches. ","image":{"url":"https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/91bfdde8-620e-4c4a-8d47-7ac1466a088d.jpeg","type":"jpeg","width":"1150","height":"493"}}}},{"id":"xkoXWUTfEV","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"5. Anthony Mantha, LW, Pittsburgh Penguins
Age: 31
Shoots: Left
Previous cap hit: $2.5 million
2025-26 stats: 81 GP, 33 G, 31 A, 64 PTS"}},{"id":"pSUlsJsRa3","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"6. Jacob Trouba, D, Anaheim Ducks
Age: 32
Shoots: Right
Previous cap hit: $8 million
2025-26 stats: 81 GP, 10 G, 25 A, 35 PTS"}},{"id":"vlAf3MX_jQ","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"7. Mason Marchment, LW, Columbus Blue Jackets
Age: 31
Shoots: Left
Previous cap hit: $4.5 million
2025-26 stats: 68 GP, 19 G, 26 A, 45 PTS"}},{"id":"ad_z3l4d2h","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"8. Viktor Arvidsson, RW, Boston Bruins
Age: 33
Shoots: Right
Previous cap hit: $4 million
2025-26 stats: 69 GP, 25 G, 29 A, 54 PTS"}},{"id":"ieW5QcZVQv","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"9. Boone Jenner, C, Columbus Blue Jackets
Age: 33
Shoots: Left
Previous cap hit: $3.75 million
2025-26 stats: 67 GP, 13 G, 25 A, 38 PTS  "}},{"id":"Hl6cpxn-Mj","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"10. Anders Lee, LW, New York Islanders
Age: 35
Shoots: Left
Previous cap hit: $7 million
2025-26 stats: 82 GP, 19 G, 23 A, 42 PTS  "}},{"id":"rnOlIHBO_h","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"11. Michael Bunting, LW, Dallas Stars
Age: 30
Shoots: Left
Previous cap hit: $4.5 million
2025-26 stats: 74 GP, 14 G, 19 A, 33 PTS  "}},{"id":"agF7jvViMH","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"12. Mario Ferraro, D, San Jose Sharks
Age: 27
Shoots: Left
Previous cap hit: $3.25 million
2025-26 stats: 82 GP, 7 G, 16 A, 23 PTS  "}},{"id":"fOPEMeazKR","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"13. Frederik Andersen, G, Carolina Hurricanes
Age: 36
Catches: Left
Previous cap hit: $2.75 million
2025-26 stats: 16-14-5, 3.05 GAA, .874 SP"}},{"id":"kyWUKP7JPq","type":"linkTool","data":{"link":"https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/what-will-andersens-phenomenal-nhl-playoff-campaign-fetch-him-in-free-agency","meta":{"title":"What Will Andersen's Phenomenal NHL Playoff Campaign Fetch Him In Free Agency?","site_name":"The Hockey News","url":"https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/what-will-andersens-phenomenal-nhl-playoff-campaign-fetch-him-in-free-agency","description":"Carolina Hurricanes goalie Frederik Andersen’s spectacular post-season dominance has silenced his critics while propelling Carolina toward a Stanley Cup. But what will the veteran netminder get on the open market when he becomes a UFA this summer?","image":{"url":"https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/acb7733d-3502-43f7-a1bb-bbb0b6889e49.jpeg","type":"jpeg","width":"1150","height":"493"}}}},{"id":"MpzZPi0oho","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"14. Patrick Kane, RW, Detroit Red Wings
Age: 37
Shoots: Left
Previous cap hit: $3 million
2025-26 stats: 67 GP, 16 G, 41 A, 57 PTS   "}},{"id":"8jpHqotZNR","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"15. Mats Zuccarello, RW, Minnesota Wild
Age: 38
Shoots: Left
Previous cap hit: $4.125 million
2025-26 stats: 59 GP, 15 G, 39 A, 54 PTS   "}},{"id":"j_lGm0CKVN","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"16. Jaden Schwartz, LW, Seattle Kraken
Age: 33
Shoots: Left
Previous cap hit: $5.5 million
2025-26 stats: 50 GP, 11 G, 15 A, 26 PTS   "}},{"id":"YOamHN_LEe","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"17. Stuart Skinner, G, Pittsburgh Penguins
Age: 27
Catches: Left
Previous cap hit: $2.6 million
2025-26 stats: 23-17-9, 2.92 GAA, .888 SP"}},{"id":"IJtgME3hy8","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"18. Scott Laughton, C, Los Angeles Kings
Age: 32
Shoots: Left
Previous cap hit: $3 million
2025-26 stats: 64 GP, 13 G, 7 A, 20 PTS"}},{"id":"ceRMAK7Gzy","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"19. Erik Haula, C, Nashville Predators
Age: 35
Shoots: Left
Previous cap hit: $3.15 million
2025-26 stats: 81 GP, 14 G, 24 A, 38 PTS  "}},{"id":"rPcge2ScYz","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"20. Jack Roslovic, RW, Edmonton Oilers
Age: 29
Shoots: Right
Previous cap hit: $1.5 million
2025-26 stats: 69 GP, 21 G, 15 A, 36 PTS"}},{"id":"bF5Pa3_b2X","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"21. Patrik Laine, RW, Montreal Canadiens
Age: 28
Shoots: Right
Previous cap hit: $8.7 million
2025-26 stats: 5 GP, 0 G, 1 A, 1 PTS"}},{"id":"PkXEFhB3Yo","type":"linkTool","data":{"link":"https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/montreal-canadiens/latest-news/canadiens-patrik-laine-is-nhls-most-intriguing-free-agent-this-year","meta":{"title":"Canadiens' Patrik Laine Is NHL's Most Intriguing Free Agent This Year","site_name":"The Hockey News","url":"https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/montreal-canadiens/latest-news/canadiens-patrik-laine-is-nhls-most-intriguing-free-agent-this-year","description":"There could be some teams willing to buy low on Laine this summer. ","image":{"url":"https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/fffcc93e-fa10-45ce-b4da-96b4b53e0e05.jpeg","type":"jpeg","width":"1150","height":"493"}}}},{"id":"6Ru-51Z4O5","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"22. Ryan Shea, D, Pittsburgh Penguins
Age: 29
Shoots: Left
Previous cap hit: $900,000
2025-26 stats: 80 GP, 6 G, 29 A, 35 PTS  "}},{"id":"OGLZF7_tWq","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"23. Claude Giroux, RW/C, Ottawa Senators
Age: 38
Shoots: Right
Previous cap hit: $2 million
2025-26 stats: 82 GP, 14 G, 35 A, 49 PTS "}},{"id":"_NsbbXHd9Y","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"24. Nick Blankenburg, D, Colorado Avalanche
Age: 28
Shoots: Right
Previous cap hit: $775,000
2025-26 stats: 61 GP, 8 G, 16 A, 24 PTS   "}},{"id":"47mr0vOZWZ","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"25. Andrei Kuzmenko, LW, Los Angeles Kings
Age: 30
Shoots: Right
Previous cap hit: $4.3 million
2025-26 stats: 52 GP, 13 G, 12 A, 25 PTS  "}},{"id":"x88-u1U8Jt","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"26. John Klingberg, D, San Jose Sharks
Age: 33
Shoots: Right
Previous cap hit: $4 million
2025-26 stats: 56 GP, 10 G, 17 A, 27 PTS"}},{"id":"_zRk3dzClK","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"27. Eeli Tolvanen, RW, Seattle Kraken
Age: 27
Shoots: Left
Previous cap hit: $3.475 million
2025-26 stats: 78 GP, 12 G, 24 A, 36 PTS  "}},{"id":"TlhHAij1X2","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"28. Logan Stanley, D, Buffalo Sabres
Age: 28
Shoots: Left
Previous cap hit: $1.25 million
2025-26 stats: 76 GP, 9 G, 17 A, 26 PTS"}},{"id":"LIuAWKXuUn","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"29. Vladimir Tarasenko, RW, Minnesota Wild
Age: 34
Shoots: Left
Previous cap hit: $4.75 million
2025-26 stats: 75 GP, 23 G, 24 A, 47 PTS  "}},{"id":"lM-6_32q4w","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"30. Ilya Mikheyev, RW, Chicago Blackhawks
Age: 31
Shoots: Left
Previous cap hit: $4.75 million
2025-26 stats: 77 GP, 18 G, 18 A, 36 PTS"}},{"id":"P68EAHAFMc","type":"linkTool","data":{"link":"https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/chicago-blackhawks/latest-news/blackhawks-can-afford-to-give-ilya-mikheyev-money-but-not-term","meta":{"title":"Blackhawks Can Afford To Give Ilya Mikheyev Money, But Not Term","site_name":"The Hockey News","url":"https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/chicago-blackhawks/latest-news/blackhawks-can-afford-to-give-ilya-mikheyev-money-but-not-term","description":"The Chicago Blackhawks are likely to lose Ilya Mikheyev to free agency, but it is more about term than money. ","image":{"url":"https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/37ffa530-054d-4747-b3a5-e6705c145abc.jpeg","type":"jpeg","width":"1150","height":"493"}}}},{"id":"Vp9CSLp-J3","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"31. A.J. Greer, LW, Florida Panthers
Age: 29
Shoots: Left
Previous cap hit: $850,000
2025-26 stats: 78 GP, 17 G, 15 A, 32 PTS"}},{"id":"cVQaolnycO","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"32. Oliver Bjorkstrand, RW, Tampa Bay Lightning
Age: 31
Shoots: Right
Previous cap hit: $5.4 million
2025-26 stats: 80 GP, 12 G, 20 A, 32 PTS   "}},{"id":"uYxDzhEfoB","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"33. Alex Kerfoot, C, Utah Mammoth
Age: 31
Shoots: Left
Previous cap hit: $3 million
2025-26 stats: 34 GP, 7 G, 6 A, 13 PTS"}},{"id":"fVxXOtAO5a","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"34. David Perron, LW, Detroit Red Wings
Age: 38
Shoots: Right
Previous cap hit: $4 million
2025-26 stats: 65 GP, 13 G, 15 A, 28 PTS"}},{"id":"tz-W5GAPDg","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"35. Connor Ingram, G, Edmonton Oilers
Age: 29
Catches: Left
Previous cap hit: $1.95 million
2025-26 stats: 16-10-3, 2.60 GAA, .899 SP"}},{"id":"ReIgagIeND","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"36. Andrew Peeke, D, Boston Bruins
Age: 28
Shoots: Right
Previous cap hit: $2.75 million
2025-26 stats: 77 GP, 5 G, 9 A, 14 PTS"}},{"id":"oBM8w9ObNk","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"37. Cam Talbot, G, Detroit Red Wings
Age: 38
Catches: Left
Previous cap hit: $2.5 million
2025-26 stats: 12-9-6, 3.19 GAA, .883 SP"}},{"id":"flU4wd3Uvk","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"38. Jeremy Lauzon, D, Vegas Golden Knights
Age: 29
Shoots: Left
Previous cap hit: $2 million
2025-26 stats: 68 GP, 1 G, 12 A, 13 PTS  "}},{"id":"Z9hvGZuVB3","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"39. Nick Jensen, D, Ottawa Senators
Age: 35
Shoots: Right
Previous cap hit: $4.05 million
2025-26 stats: 61 GP, 4 G, 13 A, 17 PTS"}},{"id":"82Pgjgxy4p","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"40. Jamie Oleksiak, D, Seattle Kraken
Age: 33
Shoots: Left
Previous cap hit: $4.6 million
2025-26 stats: 78 GP, 5 G, 10 A, 15 PTS  "}},{"id":"6AGb-pJkWe","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"41. Kasperi Kapanen, RW, Edmonton Oilers
Age: 29
Shoots: Right
Previous cap hit: $1.3 million
2025-26 stats: 41 GP, 8 G, 9 A, 17 PTS   "}},{"id":"joAL3G-q4i","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"42. Teddy Blueger, C, Vancouver Canucks
Age: 31
Shoots: Left
Previous cap hit: $1.8 million
2025-26 stats: 35 GP, 9 G, 8 A, 17 PTS"}},{"id":"eNDng-u66n","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"43. Beck Malenstyn, LW, Buffalo Sabres
Age: 28
Shoots: Left
Previous cap hit: $1.35 million
2025-26 stats: 81 GP, 7 G, 7 A, 14 PTS  "}},{"id":"pUsOinrCmg","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"44. Jamie Benn, LW, Dallas Stars
Age: 36
Shoots: Left
Previous cap hit: $1 million
2025-26 stats: 60 GP, 15 G, 21 A, 36 PTS  "}},{"id":"-CeJ6alnsB","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"45. Radko Gudas, D, Anaheim Ducks
Age: 36
Shoots: Right
Previous cap hit: $4 million
2025-26 stats: 56 GP, 2 G, 11 A, 13 PTS  "}},{"id":"GL-VaP590j","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"46. Corey Perry, RW, Tampa Bay Lightning
Age: 41
Shoots: Right
Previous cap hit: $2 million
2025-26 stats: 72 GP, 17 G, 20 A, 37 PTS   "}},{"id":"11oh2FMUcr","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"47. Victor Olofsson, LW, Calgary Flames
Age: 30
Shoots: Left
Previous cap hit: $1.575 million
2025-26 stats: 78 GP, 13 G, 18 A, 31 PTS"}},{"id":"ZkymFZt_cf","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"48. Evander Kane, RW, Vancouver Canucks
Age: 34
Shoots: Left
Previous cap hit: $5.125 million
2025-26 stats: 71 GP, 13 G, 18 A, 31 PTS
"}},{"id":"y498ZZZZwh","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"49. Noel Acciari, C/RW, Pittsburgh Penguins
Age: 34
Shoots: Right
Previous cap hit: $2 million
2025-26 stats: 67 GP, 13 G, 12 A, 25 PTS"}},{"id":"Smdw_MHswB","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"50. Ian Cole, D, Utah Mammoth
Age: 37
Shoots: Left
Previous cap hit: $2.8 million
2025-26 stats: 82 GP, 3 G, 20 A, 23 PTS"}},{"id":"XlATma4Vl2","type":"header","data":{"text":"Re-Signed Before July 1","level":2,"linkUrl":"","anchor":""}},{"id":"mX8spPlss5","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"19. Brett Kulak, D, Colorado Avalanche: 5 years, $4.5-million cap hit
Age: 32
Previous cap hit: $2.75 million
2025-26 stats: 83 GP, 1 G, 11 A, 12 PTS"}},{"id":"n4iFgCzpkX","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"45. Tony DeAngelo, D, New York Islanders: 2 years, $4.5-million cap hit
Age: 30
Previous cap hit: $1.75 million
2025-26 stats: 76 GP, 5 G, 30 A, 35 PTS"}},{"id":"0tgQQVjktw","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"48. Brent Burns, D, Colorado Avalanche: 1 Year, $850,000 cap hit
Age: 41
Previous cap hit: $1 million
2025-26 stats: 82 GP, 12 G, 23 A, 35 PTS"}},{"id":"Qv-EMlmrRb","type":"delimiter","data":{}},{"id":"Jk2znbwe4n","type":"image","data":{"caption":"For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. ","withBorder":false,"withBackground":false,"size":"full","alignment":"center","linkUrl":"https://thehockeynews.store/products/print-subscription","file":{"url":"https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/bfd414ce-b06e-461c-8408-60121d02dde4.jpeg"}}},{"id":"Q2BWSHDZw8","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"See more of The Hockey News on Google and save us as a preferred source. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum."}}],"version":"2.31.6"}

Hockey Things: What Caught Our Eye Last Week (Feb. 28 Edition)

Cole Perfetti Brings Big-Time Experience to Canadian World Junior Return