NHL lists top unrestricted and restricted free agents ahead of summer
ESPN published rankings of players entering free agency this summer. The list includes unrestricted free agents and restricted free agents who could receive offer sheets.
espn.comESPN released its annual NHL free-agency rankings covering players from established stars to younger restricted free agents.
Alex Ovechkin, left wing for the Washington Capitals, is listed in the top tier. 5 million cap hit for 2025-26. Ovechkin said after the season that he is "pretty sure" the Capitals' finale was not his final game. He added that his children want him to continue playing and remain in Washington. The Capitals missed the playoffs in 2025-26 after Ovechkin led the team with 32 goals and 64 points.
Several restricted free agents are identified as possible offer-sheet targets. Hart Levine, founder of PuckPedia, listed Pavel Dorofeyev of the Vegas Golden Knights, Mavrik Bourque of the Dallas Stars, and Arseny Gritsyuk of the New Jersey Devils among realistic candidates.
Long-shot offer-sheet possibilities include Brandt Clarke of the Los Angeles Kings, Cole Perfetti of the Winnipeg Jets, and Bobby Brink of the Minnesota Wild. 9 million in average annual value.
Rasmus Andersson, a 29-year-old defenseman acquired by Vegas from Calgary, is listed among impact free agents. He averaged high ice time and recorded 60 points in 71 games split between Washington and Anaheim last season. John Carlson, 36, was traded from Washington to Anaheim during the season.
He produced 14 points in 16 games with the Ducks after posting 60 points overall between the two clubs.
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