--- title: "Top remaining NHL free agents: 2026 UFAs who could swing Cup races" description: "With 20+ top unsigned 2026 UFAs still on the market after Day 1, these netminders and forwards could redefine contenders’ depth under the $104M cap." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/top-remaining-nhl-free-agents-the-best-2026-ufas-still-on-t-807c3513 published: 2026-07-03T07:02:59.96+00:00 updated: 2026-07-03T07:02:59.96+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["hockey"] --- # Top remaining NHL free agents: 2026 UFAs who could swing Cup races > With 20+ top unsigned 2026 UFAs still on the market after Day 1, these netminders and forwards could redefine contenders’ depth under the $104M cap. Two days into the NHL’s free-agency frenzy, 20-plus marquee 2026 unrestricted free agents remain unsigned while 145 contracts worth $911 million already changed hands. David Rittich, Carson Soucy, James Reimer, and Calle Jarnkrok lead the still-available group as teams navigate the league’s new $104 million cap ceiling. The goalies alone—Rittich (33-20-7, 2.71 GAA, .910 SV% last season) and Reimer (35-16-5, 2.58 GAA, .915 SV% in 2023-24)—offer contenders instant upgrade options between the pipes. Rittich’s playoff resume includes 14 starts and a 2.53 GAA during Calgary’s 2022 run, while Reimer has 33 postseason appearances and a 2.31 GAA across three postseasons with Florida. On defense, Soucy (43 points in 2023-24) and Grzelcyk (30 points, 15:52 TOI) bring veteran puck-moving ability under the new cap reality. Their ability to log heavy minutes and quarterback power plays makes them prime targets for teams needing blue-line stability. Forwards still on the board carry comparable upside. Calle Jarnkrok (21 goals, 41 points in 2023-24) adds middle-six scoring, while Jesse Puljujarvi (15 goals, 31 points) provides size and net-front presence. David Kampf (12 goals, 29 points) ranks among the league’s top faceoff specialists (56.3% last season), and Reilly Smith (14 goals, 34 points) brings veteran two-way consistency. Danton Heinen (18 goals, 37 points) slots as a versatile winger who can play all three forward spots. These forwards aren’t just stopgaps; they’re proven contributors who can elevate a team’s depth in the final third of games. The market dynamics are shifting faster than the cap math suggests. The $104 million ceiling has forced teams to prioritize short-term gains over long-term flexibility, creating a buyer’s market for players whose contracts expire in 2026. “You’re not just buying a year—you’re buying into a player’s prime window,” said one Eastern Conference assistant. “With the cap spike, a smart mid-tier deal can vault a bubble team into contention faster than a blockbuster.” The next wave of signings will test whether contenders prioritize proven playoff performers or younger upside plays, especially as draft capital remains scarce. Teams with cap space to burn—like the Columbus Blue Jackets and San Jose Sharks—are already eyeing these players as low-risk, high-reward additions. Columbus, fresh off a 23rd-place finish, needs every edge to climb out of the basement, while San Jose seeks to reload after a disappointing 2023-24 campaign. The Blue Jackets’ cap space (projected at $12M+ after Day 1 deals) positions them as a prime suitor for a goalie like Rittich or a forward like Heinen. Meanwhile, the Sharks’ need for veteran leadership could push them toward Kampf or Smith, both of whom thrive in locker-room cultures that demand accountability. The remaining unsigned 2026 UFAs aren’t just roster filler—they’re potential difference-makers with specific roles that address gaps in contenders’ depth charts. Rittich’s postseason experience makes him a natural fit for teams like the New York Rangers or Carolina Hurricanes, both of whom prioritize goaltending stability in high-leverage situations. Soucy’s mobility and shot from the blue line could address the Ottawa Senators’ need for a right-shot defenseman who can contribute offensively without overtaxing their young core. For forwards, Jarnkrok’s two-way play and clutch scoring make him an ideal third-line center for teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs, who rely on structured defensive systems but need secondary scoring. The urgency to sign these players isn’t just about filling holes—it’s about exploiting a rare market inefficiency. The 2026 UFA class is unusually top-heavy, with multiple players offering elite-level production at positions where depth is scarce. Unlike previous years, where teams chased big-name free agents for marketing or narrative purposes, this cycle rewards pragmatism. The teams that move quickly on these players won’t just add talent; they’ll deny competitors the chance to improve without overpaying. The next 10 days will reveal which franchises recognize the opportunity—and which will let it slip away. What’s next: The league’s unofficial “second wave” of UFA deals typically materializes between July 5–10 as teams clear cap space and finalize long-term plans. Expect goalies and right-shot defensemen to move first, followed by middle-six forwards who can slot into playoff lineups without overpaying. The remaining unsigned 2026 UFAs aren’t just roster filler—they’re potential difference-makers. In a league where marginal gains decide playoff series, landing one of these players could mean the difference between a first-round exit and a Finals run. The next 10 days will reveal which teams are willing to bet on proven production over unproven potential. ## Why this matters The NHL’s $104 million cap spike has created sudden cap-space chaos, turning every remaining 2026 UFA into a potential playoff swing. Teams chasing a Cup now have a rare chance to plug roster holes with proven performers—goalies with postseason pedigree, defensemen who move pucks, and forwards who thrive in tight games—without overcommitting long-term. The difference between landing one of these players and missing out could be the gap between a first-round exit and a Finals run. The urgency isn’t just about wins; it’s about leveraging the cap spike before the league’s next financial reset. The 2026 UFA class offers a market inefficiency: elite-level production at positions where depth is scarce, rewarding teams that act decisively over those that hesitate. ## Frequently asked ### Which goalies are still unsigned among 2026 UFAs? David Rittich and James Reimer remain unsigned after Day 1. Rittich posted a 2.71 GAA and .910 SV% last season, while Reimer finished with a 2.58 GAA and .915 SV% in 2023-24. ### How many top 2026 UFAs are still available? More than 20 marquee 2026 unrestricted free agents remain unsigned after Day 1, including forwards and defensemen who could redefine contenders’ depth. ### What’s the new NHL salary cap for 2025-26? The NHL’s salary cap for the 2025-26 season is set at $104 million, a significant increase that has reshaped free-agency strategy. ### Which defensemen are still unsigned among 2026 UFAs? Carson Soucy and Matt Grzelcyk are among the unsigned defensemen still available. Soucy posted 43 points last season, while Grzelcyk averaged 15:52 of ice time. ### When is the next wave of UFA signings expected? The unofficial second wave of UFA deals typically materializes between July 5–10, as teams finalize cap space and long-term plans. ### Which teams have the most cap space to target these UFAs? Columbus (projected $12M+) and San Jose are among the teams with significant cap space after Day 1, positioning them as prime suitors for goalies and versatile forwards. ## Sources & Citations - [Top remaining NHL free agents: The best 2026 UFAs still on the board](https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/top-remaining-2026-nhl-free-agents-ufas-still-available) — GNews.io (2026-07-01) --- Cite: Top remaining NHL free agents: 2026 UFAs who could swing Cup races. Sportopod, 2026-07-03. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/top-remaining-nhl-free-agents-the-best-2026-ufas-still-on-t-807c3513