2026 NHL Free Agency: Who’s Still on the Market After Two Weeks

More than a fortnight into the 2026 free‑agency period, several high‑profile players remain unsigned. Age and injury concerns are tempering excitement for some, while others still offer immediate on‑ice value. Teams scanning the market must balance short‑term needs against long‑term salary‑cap implications.

The downturn in interest reflects Father Time’s inevitable impact; stars who were desirable a season ago now find themselves fewer attractions on roster plans. Still, a handful of veterans and emerging talents could fill holes for clubs seeking depth or a spark.

Patrik Kane: Veteran U.S. Star Still Looking for a New Home

Even as he approaches his 38th birthday, Patrik Kane retains the ability to command attention from contender and recycler alike. He produced 16 goals and 57 points in 67 games this season, pacing at a near‑70‑point clip. Three Stanley Cups, an Olympic silver medal and a laundrylist of individual honors underscore his leadership on and off the ice. Any team that signs him at the right price would instantly boost its depth.

• Hometown: Buffalo, New York
• 2025‑26 production: 67 games, 16 goals, 57 points

Anthony Mantha: The Quebec Sniper Eyeing a Fresh Start

Anthony Mantha’s 33 goals in 81 games mark his first double‑digit tally since the 2023‑24 campaign, but durability has been a persistent worry. Twenty‑six of those tallies came at even strength, highlighting his ability to find the net without reliance on power‑play units. If he can stay healthy, a one‑year deal could provide a solid secondary scorer. The Penguins’ unlikely playoff run last spring underscores his potential when fit.

• Hometown: Longueuil, Quebec
• 2025‑26 production: 81 games, 33 goals, 64 points

Vladimir Tarasenko: Versatile Veteran Ready for a Short‑Term Role

Tarasenko has shuffled between six clubs over the past five seasons, yet each move has shown he can contribute offensively. His 23 goals and 47 points in 75 games this term suggest he remains a viable middle‑six scorer. A one‑ or two‑year contract could give a team a reliable depth option without long‑term commitment. His experience across multiple systems makes him adaptable to various coaching philosophies.

• Hometown: Yaroslavl, Russia
• 2025‑26 production: 75 games, 23 goals, 47 points

Patrik Laine: The One‑Time phenom Seeking Redemption on a Low‑Risk Deal

Laine’s career now includes the奇观 of posting both a 44‑goal season and a zero‑goal season before age 28—a rarity in NHL history. Limited to five games this year, he managed a single point, reflecting the setbacks from a core‑muscle injury. His one‑timer remains among the league’s sharpest, offering upside for a team willing to gamble on health. A short‑term, low‑salary contract could let him rediscover the scoring touch that once made him a top draft pick.

• Hometown: Tampere, Finland
• 2025‑26 production: 5 games, 0 goals, 1 point

Eeli Tolvanen: Still a Useful Blade for Teams in Need of Depth

Unlike many listed herein, Tolvanen has not faded; he posted 12 goals and 36 points in 78 games, showing he can still produce at an NHL level. He may have waited too long to renegotiate, but his skill set remains an upgrade over many roster players. A team looking for a versatile winger could absorb him without breaking the cap. His presence suggests he is worth a look even for clubs already filled out.

• Hometown: Vihti, Finland
• 2025‑26 production: 78 games, 12 goals, 36 points

Nick Blankenburg: Defensive Depth with a Slight Ceiling Concern

Blankenburg proved he can score from the blue line, ranking 83rd percentile for defenseman goals despite logging fewer minutes. At 5‑foot‑9, his physical dimensions limit the perceived ceiling, but he still fills a useful sixth‑pair role. He also contributes on special teams, giving coaches flexibility. For a team stacking its defense, he could be the X‑factor that turns a cloudy group into a dependable one.

• Hometown: Washington, Michigan
• 2025‑26 production: 61 games, 8 goals, 24 points

Marcus Johansson: Swedish Forward Still Delivering at 35

Johansson’s 35‑year‑old season was the second‑most productive of his 16‑year NHL career, and he topped the 94th percentile in speed bursts. He can handle power‑play and penalty‑kill duties without relying on them to score, averaging just 15.25 minutes per game. Coming off a $800,000 one‑year deal, he remains affordable and eligible for performance bonuses. Teams seeking a low‑ice‑time, high‑effort winger could do worse than adding him.

• Hometown: Landskrona, Sweden
• 2025‑26 team: Minnesota Wild
• 2025‑26 production: 75 games, 15 goals, 49 points

Logan Stanley: Big Body Ready to Complement Defensive Cores

Stanley’s nine goals this season marked a sudden spike after historically posting exactly one goal per year for five straight campaigns. His size allows him to clog lanes and shield the net front, offering a physical presence without being a liability. Despite a rough post‑deadline stretch that saw him healthy‑scratched in the playoffs, he remains a solid bottom‑pair option. A team looking for a durable, physical defenseman could find value in a short‑term contract.

• Hometown: Waterloo, Ontario
• 2025‑26 production: 76 games, 9 goals, 26 points

Carson Soucy: Veteran Defenseman Offering Bottom‑Four Stability

Criticism over his speed often overshadows Soucy’s ability to hold his own in physical play and penalty killing. He tallied five goals and 12 points in 76 games, showcasing that he can still chip in offensively when given the chance. At 31, he brings size and strength that many sixth‑pairings lack. Soucy isn’t built for top‑pair minutes, but he provides reliable depth for any club looking to shore up its third‑pair grouping.

• Hometown: Viking, Alberta
• 2025‑26 production: 76 games, 5 goals, 12 points

James van Riemsdyk: Veteran Presence for a Rebuilding Club

Even though he’s well past his prime, van Riemsdyk still managed 15 goals and 31 points in 72 games, operating primarily in bottom‑six minutes. His more than 1,200 NHL games bring a leadership pedigree that can anchor a fledgling locker room. A team like the San Jose Sharks could use his steadiness to complement a youthful core. Signing him signals a commitment to stability while providing a reliable scoring option.

• Hometown: Middletown, New Jersey
• 2025‑26 team: Detroit Red Wings
• 2025‑26 production: 72 games, 15 goals, 31 points

Mike Reilly: Lottery Ticket for a Cup Spot and Defensive Depth

Reilly’s tenure with the Hurricanes saw him play enough to earn his name on the Stanley Cup, albeit as the seventh defenseman. He produced just one goal and nine points in 42 games, but his ability to fill defensive gaps makes him a flexible bench asset. The Hurricanes’ owner chose to inscribe his children’s names over him, yet Reilly still counts the honor among his achievements. Teams looking for a low‑cost, reliable depth defender might consider his tenure as a narrative boost for roster-building.

• Hometown: Glenview, Illinois
• 2025‑26 production: 42 games, 1 goal, 9 points

Connor Ingram: Respectable Netminder Seeking a New Opportunity

Ingram’s move from Arizona to Utah coincided with a personal tragedy—his mother’s declining health and eventual passing—yet he emerged through the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program to claim the starter’s role with the Oilers. A 2.60 GAA and .899 save percentage across 32 games reflect solid play, though the Oilers already boast a deep goaltending group. If a team still has questions between the pipes, Ingram could be a cost‑effective option to fill the void. His story adds a human element to a market that often overlooks experienced netsmen.

• Hometown: Imperial, Saskatchewan
• 2025‑26 production: 32 games, 16 wins, 2.60 GAA, .899 SV%

Two weeks into free agency, the landscape remains fluid as aging stars weigh their options and teams hunt for value. The players listed above illustrate the spectrum—from unproven upside to reliable depth—that are still available. Careful evaluation will be key for any club looking to lock down a piece that fits both its immediate needs and long‑term vision.