Detroit Red Wings fans are not yet over the reality that having salary cap space doesn’t mean you will definitely land a high profile UFA. But already Sportsnet.ca has a story about who will be available in the 2026 UFA class, including Evgeni Malkin, Sergei Bobrovsky and Anze Kopitar.
The Red Wings may end up with more cap space next season than they had this year.
Too soon?
The Sportsnet piece shares that the UFA list could include Adrian Kempe, Martin Necas, Filip Gustavsson, Anthony Stolarz, Rasmus Andersson and Mason Marchment among others. Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel, Kirill Kaprizov and Kyle Connor are potential UFAs, but Sportsnet projects they will re-sign with their teams.
Projections have the NHL salary cap rising to $104 million. Today, the Red Wings have roughly about $60 million committed for 2026-27 with Simon Edvinsson the most important restricted free agent.
Red Wings In Case You Missed It
Former Red Wings player Igor Larionov says he would love to be a soccer coach.
Marco Kasper may be the key player in Detroit’s hope to make the playoffs. At 21, how much can he improve?
Barring a trade, who are the candidates on Detroit’s roster to play with Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond.
Red Wings Extra
How important is the AHL to the development of NHL players? According to the AHL, 90% of today’s NHL players have played in the AHL before arriving in The Show. The AHL was officially launched when the Canadian-American Hockey League and the International Hockey League merged in 1936. Originally, it was called the International-American Hockey League. The “International” was dropped in 1940.
Hockey Now Network
Florida: Sam Bennett’s wedding had a Florida Panthers’ twist, including waving rally towels. Florida Panthers
Pittsburgh: Dan Kingerski analyzes the Penguins’ depth chart and potential fall lineup. Pittsburgh Penguins.
San Jose: Sharks sign Jeff Skinner and may end up using him in their top six. San Jose Sharks.